Two arrested for drugs; one caught after trying to run away during traffic stop
Picayune Police Narcotics Division was conducting proactive patrolling on March 5th when they came upon a black 2002 Monte Carlo without a tag as it pulled into the parking lot of a business at the intersection of Jackson Landing Road and Beech Street according to a press release from Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.
Kenneth Rene Williams Kayun Markel Pittman
Narcotic Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the front right side passenger of the vehicle, later identified as Kenneth Rene Williams, age 24, of 400 South Blanks Avenue, Picayune, exited the vehicle and ran away heading south on foot in an attempt to elude the Narcotic Detectives. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Kayun Markel Pittman, age 23, of 111 Constance Street, Nicholson, was detained while the other Narcotic Detectives pursued Williams as he ran through the nearby woods. While Williams was being pursued, Picayune Patrol Division was able to setup a perimeter around the woods according to Magri.
Narcotic Detectives pursued Williams through the woods, over a barbed wire fence, and into a large field. Detectives observed Williams enter a porch on a local residence and try to hide. Detectives found Williams and he was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct Failure to Comply and for Resisting Arrest. While conducting a search of Williams and the surrounding area, Narcotic Detectives found a large glass Mason jar which contained a green leafy substance believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana. Williams was transported by Patrol Officers back to the vehicle he had exited from earlier.
Magri said Narcotic Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and located a black digital scale, several empty clear plastic bags, and a black loaded revolver containing full metal jacket rounds along with a flashlight attachment for the revolver in the front center console of the vehicle. It was confirmed through National Crime Information Center (NCIC) that both Williams and Pittman were convicted felons for drug violations. Through further investigation, it was learned that Pittman did not have a valid driver’s license and he did not possess valid insurance on the vehicle being driven.
Magri’s release stated that Pittman was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute While in Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Hindering Prosecution (felony), Disorderly Conduct Failure to Comply, No License Tag, Expired Driver’s License, No Insurance, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Williams was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute While in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Weapon by a Felon, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Both Pittman and Williams were transported to the Criminal Justice Center, booked, and incarcerated.
