A pursuit midday Wednesday ended in the arrests of three suspects wanted in connection with a series of car burglaries in the Columbia Walmart Supercenter parking lot.
Jerrell Krishawn Brown, 18, of McComb and two juveniles ages 14 and 15 face a long list of felony charges.
Columbia Police Department Detective Capt. Rita Pickering was still in Youth Court Thursday afternoon as of deadline, but pieced together the scenario.
According to Pickering, around 11:40 a.m., Walmart’s loss prevention officer contacted authorities stating that three subjects matching the description of several suspects in vehicle burglaries were in the store.
“Officers were dispatched and while en route, the subject exited Walmart and left in a black Pontiac Grand Prix,” she said. “Officers spotted the vehicle on U.S. 98 and attempted a traffic stop. At that time, the vehicle increased speed and a pursuit was initiated.”
Columbia Police were joined by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers, and eventually, Lamar County Sheriff’s deputies as the pursuit continued east on U.S. 98 into Lamar County.
“We got them stopped on Rocky Branch Road,” Pickering said. “We were trying to get them shut down before somebody got hurt. After we got them stopped, it was discovered that the vehicle was stolen from the Brookhaven area and the license plate on the vehicle had been switched with one that belonged on a similar vehicle.”
Pickering said that the burglaries began on Nov. 4.
“People were leaving their vehicles unlocked and the suspects were trying the doors to get in,” she said. “There were two vehicles hit on Nov. 4. They were getting a variety of items. One victim returned about 9:10 p.m. and someone had rummaged through the vehicle. The second victim said his vehicle had been rummaged through and that the glove box was opened and several items had been taken. He stated that he had not locked his car.”
On Monday, two more vehicle burglaries were reported in the Walmart lot with similar circumstances. This time, the thefts occurred shortly before 7 p.m.
“There was no damage to the vehicles, but again, some items were taken,” Pickering said. “We have surveillance video, so we were able to identify the suspects. Supposedly, it happened again on Tuesday night.”
Pickering warns people to be careful, especially with the holidays approaching.
“These guys were walking around looking in windows and checking door handles,” she said. “With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, this will occur in all areas. Please, even if you are in your driveway at home, lock your cars. It doesn’t matter how safe you think you are – even in your garage, you should lock your car. Make it difficult for someone to steal from you. Don’t give them the opportunity to steal something.”
Pickering said when times were simpler, people left houses and cars unlocked. Those circumstances don’t exist today.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” she said. “Also, be aware of anything that looks suspicious. People were driving right by as these people were going from car to car. If you see suspicious people looking in windows and trying door handles, call the police. It would help us be able to catch them if you called. If you see something that doesn’t look right, please call. With the time change, it’s darker earlier than ever. You need to be very aware of your surroundings. Have the key fob for your car ready to hit the alarm; any noise you make could deter them”
Pickering also offered several other shopping tips.
“Try parking under lights,” she said. “Don’t leave any packages in plain view, put them in the trunk. They are going to try and seize the moment and steal what they can. Definitely do not leave purses and wallets in your vehicle. At home do the same things.”
Brown’s bond was set late Thursday at $33,000.
