12/6/25 Clinton, MS – Police Were Chasing Auto Burglary Suspects – One Suspect Jumped Into His Cruiser And Stole It – Police Cruiser Was Found Abandoned The Next Day

A Clinton Police Department cruiser stolen during an overnight pursuit was found abandoned early Saturday morning in Jackson, according to officials.

Police say the patrol vehicle was taken around 2 a.m. while Clinton officers were chasing auto burglary suspects. During the pursuit, an officer stepped out of his vehicle — and one of the suspects jumped inside and sped off.

According to radio traffic, the officer urgently alerted dispatch, saying:

“He took my car. He took my car.”

The stolen cruiser was later discovered on a pile of dirt near a closed bridge on Smallwood Street in Jackson.

Jackson Police Department officers assisted Clinton authorities in recovering the vehicle.

Residents near the scene said the incident highlights longstanding concerns about crime in the area.

“I’m shocked, but I’m not shocked. This stuff goes on all the time,” said Jackson resident Frank Wells, who lives near where the cruiser was found.

Wells added that incidents like this reflect deeper issues affecting the community.

“Everything out of control. Some people just need to get a better footing … a lot of stuff going on around here,” he said.

Clinton officials confirmed that one auto burglary suspect is in custody, and the search for additional suspects is ongoing.