Mississippi establishments are evacuated as the pilot of a’stolen’ aircraft threatens to crash into a Walmart.
Authorities have evacuated a Mississippi Walmart shop following threats made by an unidentified pilot.
The 9-seater aircraft was stolen from Tupelo Airport at approximately 5:00 a.m. and has been flying in circles over the city.
Citizens have been asked to avoid the area until emergency personnel give the all-clear signal.
Multiple establishments have been evacuated in Tupelo, Mississippi, after a pilot threatened to crash into a Walmart.
It is believed that the pilot of the little aircraft took off from Tupelo Airport about 5 a.m. and has been flying in circles over the small town for nearly an hour.
Authorities have evacuated the area and scattered as many people as possible, and they are encouraging locals to avoid the area.
According to the Tupelo Police Department, the pilot has threatened to purposely crash the jet.
In a statement, they stated, “Around 5:00 a.m., TPD was advised that an airplane pilot was flying over Tupelo.”
The 9-seater aircraft was stolen from Tupelo Airport at approximately 5:00 a.m. and has been flying in circles over the city.
“The pilot has contacted E911 and has threatened to purposely crash into Wal-Mart on West Main Street,”
The TPD collaborated with Wal-Mart West and Dodges on West Main to evacuate the stores and disperse as many people as possible.
‘TPD has also been able to initiate direct communication with the pilot.
‘At this time, the TPD and other emergency services in our area are on high alert due to the current incident.
Citizens are advised to avoid the area until further notice. With the mobility of that type of aircraft, the danger zone is significantly larger than even Tupelo.
It is believed that Southeast Aviation LLC owns this two-engine, nine-seater aircraft.
Governor Tate Reeves stated, “State law enforcement and emergency management officials are constantly monitoring this perilous scenario.”
All individuals must be vigilant and aware of the latest information from the Tupelo Police Department.
According to a spokesperson for Walmart, the store is currently closed and evacuated.
We are collaborating closely with local investigations and submitting all inquiries to law police.
This is an evolving narrative.