Video: Suspect Shot in Lee County has Extensive Criminal History

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LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — The armed suspect shot by a Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Tuesday afternoon has a lengthy criminal history.

It was around 4 p.m. Tuesday when Tupelo police tried to stop a white sedan for a traffic violation. The car sped off, and the chase went into Lee County, where the vehicle wrecked. The passenger was arrested, but the driver fled into a wooded area.

A Lee County deputy spotted a man squatting near a tree. The deputy ordered the man to stand up, and the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. The deputy shot the suspect, who is still recovering at the North Mississippi Medical Center.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 51-year-old John W. Newell of Tupelo. He has an extensive criminal history for offenses ranging from burglary of a dwelling, manslaughter, robbery, and he was currently out on bond from Lee County on felony possession of a controlled substance and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

“There’s absolutely no reason, or any sense to the fact that this particular individual was even out of custody,” Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson said. “I understand the importance of saving money and giving an individual a second chance, but at some point and time you will have to look at people out here in society that are living right who are trying to do what’s right and not allow these people to interfere with that.”

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department will seek indictments for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Tupelo police will charge Newell with felony evading of a police officer and felony DUI.