A convicted felon led police on a high-speed chase in Harrison County on Easter Sunday.
According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to contact Isaiah Thompson, 24, near the Simpson Street storage facilities after he was observed acting suspiciously and wearing a ski mask beneath a motorcycle helmet.
When the deputy approached him, Thompson escaped on a motorbike, driving through a home yard before abandoning the motorcycle and fleeing on foot, according to authorities.
Thompson was stopped just a short distance away, and deputies discovered 257 grams of methamphetamine, 69 grams of fentanyl, and a pistol. Thompson was found guilty of possession with intent to supply in April 2021, rendering him unable to legally possess a handgun.
Thompson is accused with escaping with reckless disregard, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and fentanyl, and felon in possession of a handgun.
“Fleeing from law enforcement creates unnecessary and unacceptable risks to our community — risks to children, families, and anyone who happens to be nearby,” said Sheriff Robert Matheny II. “My own kids ride their bikes in our neighborhood. The last thing any of us want is a tragedy caused by someone fleeing because they’re carrying drugs or weapons — or simply running for a thrill. We never know in the moment if that individual has just committed a violent crime.”