James J. Stevenson Car Accident, 3 People Died In A Collision Involving A Hijacked Vehicle

James J. Stevenson Obituary, Death – Police in Jackson are investigating a fatal collision that resulted in three deaths. According to JPD, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle that was possibly involved in auto burglaries. Officers attempted to stop the Hyundai, but the suspect escaped, prompting a pursuit. Police have identified the driver of the stolen vehicle as 28-year-old Clinton resident James J. Stevenson. Donte Ingram, 30 years old, of Jackson, passenger (deceased); Jaylon Black, 25 years old, of Jackson, passenger (deceased); and Jamiah T. Smith, 18 years old, of Canton, passenger (deceased).

The officers pursued the suspects down Raymond Road before they continued onto Terry Road. The perpetrators, according to the police, struck a Dodge truck at a nearby intersection. The tractor driver, 51-year-old Robert E. Henderson Jr. of Jackson, was taken to the hospital for evaluation. “It’s sad when officers are trying to do their jobs and people have no respect for law enforcement or blue lights and sirens,” said Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade.

According to investigators, the suspects were transporting a substantial quantity of narcotics and weapons in the vehicle. “The vehicle that did not stop for the police officers was stolen and contained a significant quantity of illegal drugs. “The tragedy of this situation is that two people lost their lives,” said Wade. The four suspects in the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts, according to the JPD. Two of the occupants of the vehicle were ejected and pronounced dead at the site. Another suspect passed away at the hospital, while the condition of the fourth suspect is stable.

Wade stated, “The situation in the city of Jackson this morning is extremely tragic and unfortunate.” Wednesday morning commuters were also placed on alert due to the accident. Chief Wade advised vehicles to avoid the intersection of University Boulevard and Highway 80 as he anticipates an active scene for several hours. “The road will likely be closed for a couple of hours. “If you use this location as an entry point for 8 a.m. traffic, we recommend that you take an alternate route, such as Ellis Avenue or Gallatin Street,” Wade advised. As officers have recovered IDs, the JPD expects individuals to report stolen property when they awake on Wednesday morning.