The pilot of a plane in Mississippi is threatening to “intentionally” crash his plane into a Walmart store.
A statement from the Tupelo Police Department (TPD) said that at around 5am local time (11am UK time), they were informed during a 911 emergency call that a pilot was make threats.
The aircraft is believed to be a King Air propeller type.
Officers attempted to clear the area and speak to the pilot, who is believed to have circled the scene in the air, flying at low altitude.
The local Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that it was believed to have moved to an area near the Toyota plant in nearby Blue Spring – a situation that appears to have been confirmed by images from the websites. flight tracking.
Police said in a statement: “At approximately 05:00 a.m. on March 9, 2022, TPD was informed that a pilot of an aircraft (probably a King Air type) was flying over Tupelo. contacted E911 and was threatening to intentionally crash into a Wal Mart on West Main.
“TPD has been working with Wal-Mart West and Dodges in West Main to evacuate stores and disperse as many people as possible. TPD has also been able to begin speaking directly to pilots.
“At this time, the situation is ongoing with TPD and all Emergency Services in our area on alert.
The Flightaware image shows the plane’s path near Tupelo (TUP). Photo: Flightaware.com
“Citizens are asked to avoid that area until all is clear. Given the maneuverability of an aircraft of that type, the danger zone is much larger than that of a Tupelo.”
State Governor Tate Reeves said authorities were monitoring the situation.
He said on Twitter: “State law enforcement and emergency managers are closely monitoring this dangerous situation. All citizens should stay alert and aware of updates from the Police Department. Tupelo.”
