Suspect found guilty of reckless driving after fleeing from police

By Ashley Crutcher
Judge William H. McKenzie heard numerous testimonies from Batesville Police Officers stating they witnessed a gold Cadillac Escalade run the stop sign and red light by Wal-Mart while driving in excess of 100 mph after being accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart during Wednesday’s session of Batesville Municipal Court.
Glen D. Jackson of 134 Diane Rd., Como, was found guilty of shoplifting, trespassing and reckless driving. “I’d like to ask the court to consider that I am a truck driver. I can lose my job over a reckless driving ticket,” said Mr. Jackson.
“You’re being charged with willfully driving recklessly, failing to stop at a red light, stop sign and failing to yield to blue lights,” said Judge McKenzie.
Jackson has three prior shoplifting charges from Wal-Mart, two in Oxford in and one in Olive Branch.  He was confronted by Wal-Mart employees on January 26 for shoplifting five bottles of cologne. He advised he left his wallet in the car and was going to get it.
“As I was giving dispatch Jackson’s description he took off. I knew he had a prior record of shoplifting from Wal-Mart so I followed him. He put the cologne in his cart and proceeded to the toy department. He cut open each container and placed the bottles in his front pockets.”
“He was given a notice at the Olive Branch location in 2014 not to return to any Wal-Mart and then given a second notice in 2016 after shoplifting from the Oxford Wal-Mart. This is the fourth time he has been apprehended for theft at Wal-Mart,” said Phil Ellis, a Wal-Mart employee.
Surveillance footage shows a gold Cadillac Escalade traveling at a high rate of speed, running through the stop sign and red light.
“I saw him run the stop sign and light. So I pursued Mr. Jackson with my lights on and he failed to stop. I was advised to discontinue the chase due to the crime being a misdemeanor.
Mr. Jackson was later stopped in Como by Deputy Steven McLarty who found the stolen items in his back seat,” testified Officer J.P. Wallace.
Officer Wallace stated as he pursued the Escalade onto Interstate 55 he observed Mr. Jackson pass another vehicle on the ramp heading north.
“That’s not true! I don’t know why these officers are saying they pursued me. I’m guilty of shoplifting, but I was not driving recklessly and I didn’t know I couldn’t go to any Wal-Mart. I just thought  I couldn’t go back to Oxford Wal-Mart. I feel like they haven’t proven me guilty of reckless driving,” said Jackson.
“That is not for you to decide. I say that he has. You have a problem. You can’t keep stealing, you’re grown. You are banned from all Wal-Mart locations, reckless driving is the least of your problems,” said Judge McKenzie.
Mr. Jackson has been allowed 30 days to pay the $1,779 fine.
James McGhee of 198 James St., was found guilty of simple domestic violence. “We were arguing about a credit card. She was pushing me and pulling my hair so I elbowed her in the face. But I didn’t realize I busted her lip,” said Mr. McGhee.
McGhee is currently serving 90 days for probation violation and was sentenced to serve 60 days for the assault.
Shelia S. Tucker of 6067 Eureka Rd., Courtland, was found guilty of disregarding a traffic device. On February 5, Mrs. Tucker was ticketed for no proof of insurance and disregard for traffice device. “The light had just turned yellow and I thought I could make it. I was about to run out of gas,” said Tucker.
“The light was about to turn red and she came through fast and lost traction as the vehicle went sideways and then pulled into the gas station,” said Sergeant Will Parrish
“We will give you half off the fine. So you’ll need to pay $77.50 in 30 days,” said the judge.
Calvin L. Jones of 413 Dewberry, Sardis, was found guilty of contempt of court and has old unpaid fines.
“Why haven’t you paid this yet,” asked Judge McKenzie.
“I’ve tried, but no luck. I’ve been trying to do yard work to make money but I’ve had no luck,” said Jones.
Jones is being held at the Panola County Jail for $1,000 in upaid child support. Jones will be released after paying the due child support and will return to court at a later date regarding the $487 fine still owed to the court.
Renetha R. Tyler of 232 E. Cypress St., Charleston has been charged with grand larceny. The case will be referred to the grand jury. “If I have a witness to prove I didn’t do it can they come forward,” said Tyler.
“This is a mesdemeaner court. I can’t rule on this case because it is a felony charge,” said Judge McKenzie.
Steven Cornelius of 2558 Steele St., Memphis, was charged with two counts of felony false pretense. The judge agreed to a bond reduction, cutting the 10 thousand dollar bond in half. The case will be referred to the grand jury.
Phillip Henry of 1645 Highway 6 E, pleaded guilty to theft of utilities for taking approximately 11,700 gallons of water. Mr. Henry has since paid the bill for the use of the water and was given half off on his $954 fine.
Demetrius Williams of 205 King St., pleaded not guilty to simple assault where he allegedly choked a family member until he lost consciousness.
Williams also had old unpaid fines in which he claims to have paid. Williams was asked to bring proof showing he paid the old fine during his trial. The case is set to go to trial March 29.
Benjamin Baxter of 2775 Barnacre Rd., was found guilty of contempt of court. Baxter advised the judge he is being held in the Panola County Jail awaiting sentencing for felony false pretense. Baxter was ordered to serve 60 days in jail for the contempt of court charge.
Jeremy Cox of 194- A Fogg Rd., pleaded guilty and paid the $1,167 fine prior to court.
Javon D. Kelly of 998 315 Rd., Pachuta, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and paid the $443 fine prior to court.
Alaa Awad of 7956 Farniforld Dr., Tenn., was charged with simple assault, but the case was dismissed as no one appeared to prosecute.
Clarence Hardwick of 207 George Thomas, was charged with DUI second refusal, no driver’s license, and no tag.
The charge has been ammended to a fourth offense DUI. The case will be referred to the grand jury.
Penny Yancy of 509 Broad St., Lambert was charged with shoplifting from Kroger. The case was dismissed as no one appeared to prosecute.