Arrest Made in Aggravated DUI Case
[PRESS RELEASE]
BENTON COUNTY, Miss. Local authorities have arrested Ronnie Parker, 51, of Potts Camp, and formally charged him with aggravated DUI causing death. The District Attorney’s Office filed the charge after examining the evidence collected by State Troopers and the Mississippi Highway Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team. Along with physical evidence collected at the crash scene, toxicology results were also made available to investigators.
Parker was involved in a head-on collision, February 25, 2017, that claimed the life Alee Thomas, 18, of Myrtle.
The District Attorney’s Office filed a motion that Parker be held without bond until the case is resolved.
Parker remains in Benton County Jail.
The case continues to be investigated.
M/SGT Ray Hall
Public Affairs Officer
Troop F
Original Release February 25, 2017
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating a head-on collision in Benton County that claimed the life of a Myrtle teenager.
Troopers responded to MS 178, near Hickory Flat, at approximately 3pm. Upon arriving it appeared Ronnie Parker, 51, of Potts Camp , was traveling east bound, in a 1999 Ford F350, when he apparently crossed over into the west bound lane and collided head-on into a 2013 Chevrolet SUV, driven by Alee Thomas, 18, of Myrtle.
Thomas was airlifted to Region One, in Memphis, TN, and later died from injuries sustained from the crash. Her brother, Christian Thomas, 20, was transported to Baptist Hospital in New Albany with moderate injuries.
Parker was transported to Baptist Hospital in New Albany where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
Troopers continue to gather evidence from the crash scene that indicates Parker may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
M/Sgt Ray Hall
Public Affairs Officer
Troop F
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