HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. — Three men are wanted by Mississippi police after they broke into a gun store early Friday morning.
According to authorities, the three men broke into a New Albany gun store and took several guns. Police chief Chris Robertson says they got the call at around 3 a.m.
“I can tell you that the vast majority of the guns were assault style long guns and some automatic pistols,” Robertson said.
Robertson says officers say were soon able to locate the vehicle and the chase was on.
He says the suspects led officers nearly 40 minutes west on I-22 towards Holly Springs.
Holly Springs Police Chief Dwight Harris says his officers were called in to assist and laid road spikes down to stop the vehicle.
They were successful, but in the process, officers from New Albany and Holly Springs crashed into each other. They are expected to be ok.
Harris says the suspects abandoned their car and ran into a wooded area.
“We went around to as many businesses as possible and alerted them and let them know what was going on, so they could keep their doors locked while doing business and some of the residents in that area,” Harris said.
After hours of searching, the suspects were never found.
However, Robertson says what they did find in the vehicle was even more disturbing.
He says shortly before the gun shop theft, a gas station was robbed, and the safe was stolen. He says that same safe was found in the suspect’s vehicle.
“They burglarized that business first and then went to the gun store and broke into it,” Robertson said.
Officers are looking for the suspects in several different areas around Holly Springs, including near Marshall Academy School.
They should be considered armed and dangerous.
“It was scary. But we felt good at the same time because I’m sure we saved somebody’s life. I’m sure those weapons were going to be used for criminal intent,” Harris said.
Robertson says several agencies are taking part in this search, including the FBI, if needed.