The Mississippi Highway Patrol concluded its Thanksgiving enforcement period which began Wednesday, November 23, at 6 p.m. and ended Sunday, November 27 at midnight.
MHP issued 5,309 citations with 67 DUI arrests. 171 motor vehicle crashes were investigated which included 67 injuries and 2 fatalities on state, federal highways, and interstates.
On November 25, the Mississippi Highway Patrol SWAT team responded to Grenada based on a request by the Grenada police department for assistance concerning a hostage situation.
On the same day, State Troopers responded to Hattiesburg based on a request by the Hattiesburg police department for assistance concerning an officer involved shooting. MHP observed heavy traffic throughout the period and anticipates the number of motorists traveling to increase due to the upcoming December holiday period.
On Thursday, November 24, 2016 at approximately 1:17 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash involving two vehicles in Leflore County. A 2003 Lexus passenger car driven by Carnell Gardner, 42, of Itta Bena, MS was traveling Eastbound on U.S. 82. A 2016 Freightliner driven by Eric Trusty, 28, of Grenada, MS was traveling Westbound on U.S. 82. The 2003 Lexus left the roadway with the driver losing control. The 2003 Lexus reentered U.S. 82 crossing the centerline and collided head on with the 2016 Freightliner. Carnell Gardner was pronounced dead on scene.
On Sunday, November 27, 2016 at approximately 9:06 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle fatal crash in Wayne County. A 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Michael Trau, 60, of Avon, Illinois was traveling Northbound on MS45. Vehicle left the roadway with driver losing control and overturned. Right front passenger Amy Trau, 60, of Avon, Illinois was ejected from vehicle and pronounced dead at Wayne County General hospital.
Both crashes remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
