Mississippi Police identify truck driver with machete in I-10 standoff

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This photo provided by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office shows Michael Troy Mack, 33, of Baton Rouge, La. An interstate highway through Mississippi was shut down for hours Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, after a truck driver armed with a machete sparked a standoff with police, but the incident ended without injuries when he was finally arrested. Mack faces one count of felony pursuit in Jackson County.

 

UPDATE 4:15 P.M.

Police say 33-year-old Michael Mack of Baton Rouge is the man who caused chaos on I-10 leaving behind a trail of damaged vehicles and holding off officers for hours with a machete.

 

It all started on I-10 near the Pilot Truckstop. That's where the Mobile County Sheriff's Office says Mack intentionally hit a Mobile County Ambulance with his semi truck.

 

EMS drivers say they had reported Mack driving recklessly and called dispatch to warn them, meanwhile turning on their lights and approaching the truck. That's when, the EMS workers say, Mack got angry and veered toward the ambulance.

 

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office says Mack hit three civilian vehicles as well before leading police on a chase and a stand-off across the state line in Mississippi, while armed with a machete.

 

Mack is being charged by MCSO with 2 counts of attempted assault, 5 counts of reckless endangerment and 3 counts of criminal mischief. He's charged with felony pursuit in Jackson County, along with 3 counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, 1 from Jackson County Sheriff and 2 from MHP.

 

Mack was given no bond on any charges as the judge felt he’s a danger to the community, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's office. 

 

UPDATE 2:10 P.M. 

Mississippi Highway Patrol held a press conference Wednesday afternoon. 

 

The man, troopers describe as a black male, was armed with a machete. Troopers could not release his name during the afternoon press conference. They believe the man works for the 18-wheeler company.

Troopers report non-lethal gas and smoke was used during the standoff.  

 

For about 5 hours, I-10 eastbound and westbound lanes were closed to ensure the safety of the public, troopers say. 

 

Troopers report no one was injured. 

 

News 5 will continue to update this story as more information is released. 

 

UPDATE 1:36 P.M. 

Police now have the driver in custody, bringing an end to the five-hour standoff. Eastbound lanes are now open.

 

UPDATE 1:17 P.M.

Flash bang devices and tear gas were just deployed. Smoke could be seen rising from the cab of the truck. Officers are out of their vehicles with their guns drawn.

 

ORIGINAL STORY

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WKRG) -- A truck driver armed with a machete is locked in a standoff with law enforcement on I-10 in Mississippi.

 

The standoff is happening along the westbound lanes near Gautier.

 

Several law enforcement agencies — including Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff's Department — are at the scene trying to negotiate with the suspect.

 

We're told this may have started with a hit and run in Alabama earlier in the day. It's not clear exactly when law enforcement began pursuing the truck.

 

Once the truck crossed the state line, Mississippi Highway Patrol says several people called them to report the driver of the 18-wheeler was driving recklessly.

 

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