Jackson Jambalaya

 Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement. 

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers at the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center reported that a juvenile detainee escaped from the facility in Pelahatchie after climbing the security fence and fleeing on foot.

Detention officers reported that detainees were participating in mandatory outdoor recreation, with several playing basketball. During the activity, the basketball rolled near the perimeter fence and the suspect ran toward it. Once near the 16-foot security fence, the suspect began climbing. A detention officer immediately responded and grabbed the suspect while he was on the fence. The officer attempted to pull the suspect back down, but the suspect broke free and climbed over the top of the fence before fleeing into a wooded area.

Numerous Rankin County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with assisting law enforcement agencies, responded to the area and established a perimeter. Rankin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units, Flowood Police Department K-9 units, Mississippi Highway Patrol K-9 units, and the Sheriff’s Office Drone Team all assisted in the search efforts.

An extensive aerial and ground search was conducted throughout the afternoon and evening, and checkpoints were established in the surrounding area.

At approximately 11:00 p.m., an alert citizen on Banks Street called 911 and reported that the escapee was at her residence attempting to steal her husband’s white Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck. The caller advised that the suspect left the residence traveling west on Highway 80 toward Brandon. Deputies quickly located the stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit that lasted approximately 20 minutes and traveled along several county roads.

Deputies attempted to direct the pursuit toward Brandon, where the Brandon Police Department had deployed stop sticks. The suspect eventually turned onto Mount Ridge Road, a dead-end road, where deputies were able to box in the vehicle. The suspect then attempted to escape through a cutover area but became stuck. Deputies quickly reached the vehicle and took the suspect into custody before he could flee again.

Pafford Ambulance Service responded to the scene and transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the escape. After receiving medical treatment, the suspect was returned to custody of the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center.

The stolen vehicle sustained heavy damage during the incident. The victim, who operates a small landscaping business, relies on the vehicle for his livelihood, and the damage will have a direct impact on his business operations.

The suspect is a 14-year-old male who was originally being held at the Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Auto Theft and Auto Burglary. He is scheduled to appear before Youth Court Judge Josh McCrory today.

The Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center opened in 2011 and was designed and operated under strict federal and state guidelines. This incident marks the first escape in the facility’s history. Sheriff Bryan Bailey and Youth Court Judge Josh McCrory are currently reevaluating outdoor recreation security procedures and will implement additional measures to further enhance security while remaining in compliance with all applicable state and federal guidelines governing juvenile detention facilities.

Sheriff Bryan Bailey would like to thank the deputies, dispatchers, detention officers, and assisting agencies who worked together to safely apprehend the suspect. Sheriff Bailey also extends appreciation to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Pelahatchie Police Department, Flowood Police Department, Brandon Police Department, Madison Police Department, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance and support during the operation.

“We hope the quick recapture of this escapee provides peace of mind to our citizens,” said Sheriff Bailey.

Sheriff Bailey also expressed gratitude for the safety of everyone involved during the incident.

“We give praise to God for protecting our citizens, our officers, and the suspect during yesterday’s incident.”