The Mississippi Highway Patrol has concluded its Independence Day Holiday Travel Period, reporting over 4,800 citations issued and one fatal crash.
From July 3 at midnight until Sunday at midnight, state troopers were out in full force to ensure extra safety, according to Capt. Criss Turnipseed.
Turnipseed said Monday that MHP issued a total of 4,818 citations, made 74 arrests for impaired driving, and cited 577 motorists for seatbelt violations. Troopers also investigated 90 crashes, resulting in 34 injuries and one fatality.
On July 6, at approximately 12:21 p.m., MHP responded to a two-vehicle crash on MS-28 in Simpson County. A 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 22-year-old Jadarrian Burton was traveling east when it collided with a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by 77-year-old Judith Polk with one passenger, 48-year-old John Polk.
Judith and John Polk were transported to Magee General Hospital with unknown injuries. Burton received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.