Suspect Sought in Trace Assault

On March 17, 2013, a bicyclist traveling on the Natchez Trace Parkway north of Tupelo near Friendship Hill Road, was physically assaulted by an unidentified person, who left the scene. The bicyclist was hospitalized with severe injuries and his bicycle was also damaged.

Rangers are seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the assailant. The suspect vehicle is described as a late model white crew cab pickup truck, possibly a Dodge, and the suspect was a white male in his 40s to 50s with short gray hair and a stocky build. The suspect would have been traveling south along the Parkway on Sunday afternoon about 4:00 p.m. The assault occurred in the northeastern corner of Lee County between Saltillo and Mantachie near mile marker 276.

A reward of $500 is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect involved in this assault. Anyone with information should contact 662-680-4002.

Rangers would also like to talk with a witness driving a possibly dark colored four-door sedan who was seen at the scene. This person may have important information that could assist with the investigation.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Scenic Byway, which encourages multiple uses and recreational activities, including scenic motoring, bicycling, hiking, running and other activities.