Marion county deputy injured by patrol unit during pursuit

MARION COUNTY, MS. - A Marion County deputy is in stable condition after being hit by another deputy patrol unit authorities said.

Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), Lamar and Marion county deputies were in pursuit on Highway 98 after Alicia Holifield, 33, of Summit allegedly stole a vehicle.

Marion County Sheriff's Department said the pursuit continued on Highway 98 traveling west through Columbia and into the Foxworth area.

The department said, "On what is commonly referred to as the Overhead Bridge on Highway 98 in Foxworth, the pursuit was ended by MHP and the Marion County Sheriff's office."

Deputy Lance Poirier responded to the scene and as he exited his vehicle he was struck by another Marion County patrol unit due to the hidden visibility and wet conditions in the area.

"The vehicle topped the crest of the bridge, which is a highly constructed bridge, and stopped out of sight from the east side of the bridge" said the department.

Deputy Poirier was airlifted to Forrest General Hospital where he underwent surgery and is on the road to recovery.

"We would like to ask for your thoughts and prayers for Deputy Poirier and his family during this time and also thank everyone for their support and concerns so far" the department said.

He served in the Marion County Sheriff's department for five years.

Holifield is charged with felony fleeing.