GREENVILLE — Three people were charged with grand larceny after narcotics investigators said a report of wire theft on May 7 led to a high-speed pursuit through town.
Investigators said they responded to dispatch information about people allegedly stealing wire in the Juniper Street area and then learned a suspicious pickup had been seen leaving the area and traveling onto Canal Street. Officers located a pickup matching that description traveling at a high rate of speed on Canal Street and attempted a traffic stop near Canal and Reed streets, authorities said.
The driver refused to stop, accelerated and led officers through multiple intersections, disregarding traffic control devices and running a signal at Reed and Main streets, investigators said. The vehicle struck multiple road maintenance cones before ending the pursuit when it turned onto Wall Street and stopped at the end of the road.
The occupants — Joshua Colyer, 44, of Indianola; Tristen Vanderford, 24, of Hollandale; and Brandi Flemmons, 26, of Leland — were detained. Investigators said they found a large quantity of freshly cut communication wire in the bed of the pickup. All three were charged with grand larceny; Colyer also faces multiple traffic-related charges and the vehicle was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.
During booking, investigators said Colyer made an unsolicited statement that one passenger was only along for the ride; authorities said that remark will be reviewed as part of the continuing probe. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
