The pilot of a plane in Mississippi is threatening to “intentionally” crash his aircraft into a Walmart store.
A statement put out by Tupelo Police Department (TPD) says at about 5am local time (11am UK time) they were notified in an emergency 911 call that a pilot was making the threat.
The aircraft is believed to be a King Air propeller type.
Pilot who is threatening to crash plane in Tupelo, Mississippi, identified as airport employee who stole the aircraft https://t.co/Qh5lTp4aB9
— BNO News (@BNONews) September 3, 2022
Officers have been trying to clear the area and talk to the pilot, who is said to have been circling the scene in the air since, flying at low altitude.
Police said in the statement: “On 09-03-2022 at approximately 05:00am TPD was notified that a pilot of an airplane (possibly King Air type) was flying over Tupelo. The pilot has made contact with E911 and is threatening to intentionally crash into Wal Mart on West Main.
“TPD has worked with Wal-Mart West and Dodges on West Main to evacuate the stores and disperse people as much as practical. TPD also has been able to begin talking with the pilot directly.
“At this time the situation is ongoing with TPD and all Emergency Services in our area on alert.“Citizens are asked to avoid that area until an all clear is given. With the mobility of an airplane of that type the danger zone is much larger than even Tupelo.”
Leslie Criss, a magazine editor who lives in Tupelo, woke up early and was watching the situation on TV and social media. Several of her friends were outside watching the plane circle overhead.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in this town,” Criss told The Associated Press. “It’s a scary way to wake up on a Saturday morning.”
State governor Tate Reeves said authorities were tracking the situation.
He said on Twitter: “State law enforcement and emergency managers are closely tracking this dangerous situation. All citizens should be on alert and aware of updates from the Tupelo Police Department.”
