The latest: “The plane is down and has landed. The subject is in custody,” a Benton County sheriff’s official told Axios. Driving news: The plane began circling the city around 5 a.m., the Tupelo, Miss., police department said in a Facebook post. Police were able to speak with the pilot as he circled the city.
The plane circled over several communities in northeast Mississippi, WTVA reports. CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean said the plane was also spotted flying over the Holly Springs National Forest, which covers a large area of northeast and north-central Mississippi, including the area where the plane is believed to have crashed.
Details: Police said the pilot initially threatened to “intentionally crash into the Wal-Mart on West Main,” police said.
The Walmart store is located near a number of other businesses, including a grocery store, car wash, and more. Walmart shoppers and staff were evacuated and people were evacuated from the area, TPD said.
Context: Police said the plane may be a King Air, which can seat seven to 12 passengers, the Washington Post reports.
CNN’s Muntean said on air that the plane type has a window of four to six hours before it runs out of gas. TPD, Tupelo Airport and the Mississippi Department of Safety did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
What they’re saying: “Law enforcement and emergency managers are closely monitoring this dangerous situation,” Reeves said on Twitter. “All citizens should be alert and aware of updates from the Tupelo Police Department.” What we’re watching: Talks between the pilot and TPD began early Saturday.
“Citizens are asked to avoid this area until the all clear is given. With the mobility of an airplane of this type the danger zone is much larger than even Tupelo,” TPD said.
This is breaking news and will be updated.
