Desoto County News

Driver stopped after barricade situation in Olive Branch

Charges have been filed against a man after officers were called to respond to a stopped vehicle at an Olive Branch intersection. 

The call came in shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday night to state Highway 302 and Craft Road.  Officers found the vehicle stopped and tried to contact the driver inside the car. 

A strong smell of marijuana was detected and, although the dark tint of the windows made it difficult to see, officers did see a rifle on a lap.  

Stop sticks were placed underneath the vehicle, the responding officers retreated to a safe position, and they called for backup. 

After requests from responding officers and assisting sheriff’s deputies, the vehicle moved to a spot north of the intersection and a beanbag round was fired to break the window glass open. The driver was found sleeping, the presence of alcohol was confirmed as well as a rifle in the vehicle.  

A drone placed inside the vehicle was used to wake the driver up and he drove to the nearby Walgreen’s parking lot.  

Now in custody is the driver, Jermel James Moore, age 20, who has been charged with possession of a controlled substance enhanced by a firearm, possession of paraphernalia, obstructing traffic, and open container and window tint violations.