Driver Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit on Highway 45 in Clarke County, MS

Clarke County, Miss. (BuzzReport) — A high-speed pursuit on Highway 45 in Clarke County ended with the arrest of a Wayne County woman after authorities say she drove for more than 11 miles at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour while allegedly unaware a state trooper was attempting to pull her over.

According to officials, the incident began when Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) State Trooper Ryan Evansattempted to conduct a traffic stop on a speeding motorist near the Highway 145/Clarkco Exit area. Authorities said the driver failed to stop and continued traveling southbound on Highway 45.

Trooper Evans initiated a pursuit as the vehicle continued past the C.R. 140 overpass and proceeded through the Highway 18 interchange, with additional law enforcement units responding to assist.

Investigators said the vehicle maintained speeds of more than 105 miles per hour as it approached the Chickasawhay River Bridge in the Desoto community. Despite the activated emergency lights and sirens, the driver continued southbound at high speed.

The pursuit continued until the vehicle reached the C.R. 280 area in Desoto, where the driver eventually pulled over and complied with the stop.

Following a brief investigation at the scene, troopers determined the female driver had allegedly been looking down at her cellphone and did not notice the patrol vehicle behind her during the pursuit.

Trooper Evans later indicated he believed the driver may not have intentionally attempted to evade law enforcement, stating he believed she “honestly just didn’t see” the patrol vehicle during the approximately 11-mile pursuit, adding that the vehicle’s cruise control appeared to have been set at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

As additional law enforcement units arrived at the scene, the driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Clarke County Jail. Authorities said Scott’s Wrecker Service was called to the scene to impound the vehicle.

Officials confirmed the woman, who is from Wayne County, has been charged with speeding, reckless driving, and no proof of insurance.

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that distracted driving — particularly cellphone use behind the wheel — can pose significant risks to both drivers and others on the road.

The driver name has not been released at the time of this article.

The case remains under review by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.