Man steals police car during investigation

A 23-year old man accused of stealing a law enforcement vehicle now sits in the Pemiscot County Justice Center charged with unlawful use of a weapon and felony stealing.

According to official reports, Jimmie Ray Davis of Blytheville, Ark., was questioned by Hayti Police Officers at 6:05 p.m., Thursday, February 3 at The Store in Hayti. Officers were responding to a call concerning a man making allegations that he had pulled a gun on someone and needed a ride to get out of town.

Upon arrival, Police officers checked Davis for weapons but found none. When law enforcement officials began talking with Davis, he told them that he was actually the victim and had the gun pulled on him. Davis told officers that he had come to Hayti with some friends on Wednesday night and had been taken to a residence in the 200 block of North Maple Street in Hayti and had fallen asleep. He told officers that he was awakened by a man who assaulted him and eventually pulled a gun threatening to shoot him.

After hearing the story that Davis told, an officer then drove him back to the residence in the 200 block of North Maple Street. The vehicle was parked in front of the residence and the officer attempted to talk to the person inside the home. Once officers started talking to the man, a different story emerged. The man and homeowner told Hayti officers that he had come home and found Davis sleeping in his bed. He told officers when he woke Davis up, he pulled a pistol from his pants and pointed it at him. The homeowner then told officers that he hit Davis in the face with his fist and was able to take the gun away from him. After struggling for a short time, Davis left the residence without the gun.

Official reports say that upon learning this information, Police officers left the home to talk with Davis who was outside. When they got outside, officers saw that their 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Patrol Vehicle was missing as well as Davis. Surrounding law enforcement agencies were notified including, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Portageville Police Department and the New Madrid Police Department.

Officers were later notified by the Missouri State Highway Patrol that the vehicle had been located in New Madrid County on Interstate 55 near Marston, Mo., and officers were in pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

According to official reports, the surrounding towns law enforcement departments set up a roadblock and boxed him in, causing Davis to come to a stop. He was then taken into custody without resistance.

When officers interviewed Davis, they were able to obtain a confession from him that he brought the pistol to Hayti from Blytheville and had used it in the residence. Davis told officers that he was scared and that is the reason he stole the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle.

Davis is also on Felony Probation and Parole with the State of Arkansas and has charges pending against him.

According to official reports, bond has been set at $75,000.