Jackson Jambalaya

The Pearl Police Department issued the following press release:


On April 28, 2016, at approximately 9:15 p.m., an officer with the Pearl Police Department attempted to stop a black 2003 Nissan Altima at the intersection of Old Brandon Road and Pearson Road for a traffic violation. The vehicle was occupied by an adult driver and four adult occupants. The vehicle failed to yield to the officer’s blue lights and continued south on Pearson Road, taking I-20 West toward Jackson. Just as the vehicle crossed the Pearl River, the motorist attempted to take the State Street exit at approximately 90 mph. The vehicle spun out while in the sharp turn and the vehicle came to rest on the off ramp to State Street.  

The driver then exited the vehicle and jumped head first over the bridge, approximately 50 feet to the ground (he hit numerous trees on the way down; grass was below the bridge). Pearl Police immediately responded to the area to attempt to locate the individual that jumped and medical aid was requested fearful he had severely injured himself. Officers were able to locate the individual lying on the ground just as he jumped back up from the ground and a foot chase ensued. The suspect led police through a storm drain before coming out near the banks of the Pearl River on the east bound side of I-20. A Street Crimes officer with the Pearl Police Department located the suspect lying in the grass and a ground fight began with the suspect attempting to take the officer’s gun. Additional Pearl PD Street Crime officers and Pearl PD patrolmen arrived and after combative resistance, the suspect was taken into custody after being tazed. Medical responded to the scene but the suspect refused medical attention, stating he was fine. Thus, he was transported to Pearl PD to be booked.

However, upon arrival to booking, the suspect began to complain of pain and requested medical. He was transported by Pafford to a local area hospital. Upon release, he will be booked on Felony Fleeing and additional pending charges.


*The driver of the vehicle (suspect) is identified as Romello Shance James, 20 years old. The four adult occupants were identified at the scene and released with no charges. No one was injured as a result of this incident other than the fleeing suspect after he arrived in booking.

 Kingfish note: There are no felony convictions for him in Hinds and Rankin counties.