Hit And Run Driver Arrested After Struggle

On the afternoon of Monday, December 1st, park dispatch received a report of a hit and run accident near milepost 260 in Lee County, Mississippi. Ranger John Hearne responded and learned that a blue Toyota had been rear-ended by a red Dodge Neon driven by Edgar Jenkins, 51, of Saltillo, Mississippi. Both the victim and witnesses reported that Jenkins had been belligerent, threatening and likely was heavily intoxicated. Before rangers could arrive on scene, Jenkins departed. A search for his vehicle was begun and it was soon located at a residence just off the parkway. The vehicle had extensive front end damage. No one answered at the residence, but, as the vehicle was being impounded, a heavily intoxicated Jenkins approached Hearne. Jenkins was providing contradictory information to Hearne when two local Saltillo police officers arrived to assist. It was learned that the car had been reported stolen and that a Lee County warrant was out for Jenkins arrest.  When Hearne attempted to arrest Jenkins, he refused to obey any commands and assumed a fighting stance. Hearne then employed his taser, but without effect. When  Jenkins advanced on the officers, another attempt was made to taser him but was also unsuccessful.  With taser cartridges expended, Hearne utilized pepper spray on Jenkins, but it too had little effect and he continued to forcibly resist. The officers then took him to the ground, where Jenkins forcibly resisted their efforts to handcuff him. Jenkins was transported by ambulance to the local hospital for evaluation prior to being taken to jail. Multiple federal, state and local charges are pending.