A motorist passing through Panola County is in jail awaiting a bond hearing following his attempt to escape local authorities Tuesday afternoon.
According to Mississippi Public Information Officer Warren Strain, Daniel J. Higgs, 21, of Missouri has been arrested and charged with DUI, driving without a license, resisting arrest, providing false information to law enforcement and possession of a vehicle without authority.
Strain said the Mississippi Highway Patrol received a call around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday of a driver traveling on Interstate 55 who appeared to be intoxicated.
"We often receive calls like this," he said.
"So we had a pair of troopers who found the vehicle in question and observed it for a short period of time.
"According to the report, it was obvious to the troopers that the driver’s judgement was impaired so they made the decision to pull him over and further investigate the situation," he said.
Once Higgs was pulled over, he fled officers, Strain said.
"When our guys got the car pulled over, it was near the intersection of I-55 and Highway 35 traveling south," he said.
"After he pulled over, he ran from the car and into some woods nearby to hide.
"At that time, we contacted the Batesville Police Department for assistance and Higgs was soon apprehended," Strain said.
Strain said running the tag on the vehicle let troopers and BPD know the car, a 1989 Chevy Caprice, was stolen.
"The vehicle was listed as stolen from Perryville, Mo.," he said.
"We have already made contact with the authorities there to make them aware of the situation."
Higgs remains in custody at the Panola County Jail. Bond has not been set in this case.
