Suspect leads officers on a motorcycle chase

On September 12, 2021, at approximately 8:39 p.m., an officer with the Picayune Police Department observed a subject on a blue motorcycle driving reckless on Hwy 43 cutting between vehicles and causing drivers to run off the roadway.

According to Picayune Police Assistant Chief James Bolton, the officer turned around on the motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle for reckless driving. The rider of the motorcycle, later identified as Slade Hiram Smith, age 26, of 1528 Dupont Harts Chapel Road, Poplarville, conducted a U-Turn in the road way almost causing another collision and then accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph.

The motorcycle went east on Hwy 43 North and entered the interstate traveling northbound on the interstate at a high rate of speed. Smith then exited off the interstate at the Carriere Exit 10 and began traveling west on West Union Road still traveling at a high rate of speed. Smith went to the intersection of West Union and Anchor Lake Road and turned right onto Anchor Lake Road again accelerating to high speeds. Smith turned left onto Anchor Lake Road and began driving at high speeds into the residential community in the area.

Smith sped through the community and finally crashed the motorcycle on a dead end street. Smith then left the motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot but quickly apprehended by the pursuing officers from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office and Picayune Police Department. Officers were able to locate several controlled substances in a backpack on Smith’s person. Officers located what is believed to be crystal meth, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Officers located several items of drug paraphernalia also.

Smith was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement (Felony), and various traffic offenses.

Smith was transported to the Pearl River County Jail in Millard where he was incarcerated in the jail for the offenses.

Assistant Chief Bolton would like to thank the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in getting this dangerous subject off the streets.