Bill Text: MS SC674 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Chad McClatchy and Deputy Sheriff Robert Wharton for acts of courage in capture of escapees.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-3)
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-30 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC674 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-SC674-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Flowers, Davis, Butler (38th), Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee (35th), Stone
Senate Concurrent Resolution 674
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND EXTENDING THE COMMENDATION OF THE LEGISLATURE TO DEPUTY CHAD MCCLATCHY AND DEPUTY ROBERT WHARTON OF THE DESOTO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR UNSELFISH ACTS OF COURAGE THAT RESULTED IN THE CAPTURE OF TWO LOUISIANA PRISON ESCAPEES ON MARCH 14, 2011.
WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Mississippi owe a debt of gratitude to Deputy Chad McClatchy and Deputy Robert Wharton of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department in Hernando, Mississippi, for their unselfish acts of courage that resulted in the capture of the two Louisiana prison escapees, who had been the target of a nationwide manhunt since their escape from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 4, 2011; and
WHEREAS, on Monday, March 14, 2011, the courage and attention to detail of DeSoto County Sheriff's Department (DCSD) K-9 Deputy Chad McClatchy stood tall when his vigilance paid off as he patiently manned his post on Highway 78, near the DeSoto-Marshall County, Mississippi, line, watching for the stolen vehicle occupied by Ricky Wedgeworth and Darian "Drake" Pierce, the two Baton Rouge, Louisiana, prison escapees. Both men were serving 25-year sentences, one for armed robbery and the other for attempted second-degree murder, plus related charges; and
WHEREAS, any law enforcement officer knows how difficult it can be to maintain an alert vigilance on a heavily traveled highway as one is attempting to identify the target vehicle, especially one carrying subjects who could possibly be heavily armed since they reportedly killed an innocent citizen a few days earlier; and
WHEREAS, Deputy McClatchy's quick thinking confirmed the identity of the stolen vehicle and caused other DCSD Patrol Units to join him in the pursuit toward the Mississippi-Tennessee line as the tandem headed north on Highway 78. At the state line, the target vehicle came to a complete stop. With their weapons drawn, Deputy Chad McClatchy and Deputy Robert Wharton approached the vehicle on foot. As the target vehicle then sped away, Deputy Wharton fired into the left front tire causing it to deflate as the pursuit then continued into Memphis, Tennessee. The pursuit lasted for approximately 10 miles and finally was brought to a successful end when the getaway vehicle wrecked in southeast Shelby County, Tennessee. The arrest of both subjects was effected without further incident or injury; and
WHEREAS, we would like to join Sheriff Bill Rasco in extending our heartfelt admiration and gratitude to Deputies Chad McClatchy and Robert Wharton for carrying out their duties in protecting the citizens of not only DeSoto County, but throughout Mississippi and Tennessee:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do recognize Deputy Chad McClatchy and Deputy Robert Wharton of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department for their unselfish acts of courage that resulted in the capture of two Louisiana prison escapees on March 14, 2011, and extend the commendation of the Legislature to these officers for their professional action.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Deputies McClatchy and Wharton, forwarded to Sheriff Bill Rasco and the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
