Teen crashes into Culkin Fire Station

Published 7:39 pm Monday, July 15, 2019

A Vicksburg man is out on bond after a wreck that damaged the bay door of the Culkin Fire Station on Freetown Road.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said Billy Joe Hayes was arrested on charges of allowing an unauthorized person to drive a vehicle and misdemeanor child endangerment after the Saturday wreck.

Pace said Monday that no date has been set for an initial appearance for Hayes in Warren County Justice Court.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

Hayes is accused of allowing an unlicensed 15-year-old to drive a 2019 Camaro that he said he borrowed from a friend.

The wreck occurred about 12:45 p.m. Neither Hayes, the teen, nor Hayes’ 3-year-old child, who was seated in the car’s rear seat, were injured.

The case remains under investigation.

According to reports, the teen attempted to drive off from a stop sign at a high rate of speed.

The teen reportedly lost control, went through the fire station parking lot sideways, and hit and damaged the door. A fire truck was also slightly damaged and the Camaro was heavily damaged. Assistant Culkin Fire Chief Bobby Rufus said the crash damaged the fire truck’s bumper, but the truck is operational.

Pace said Culkin firefighters were at the station at the time of the wreck. Sheriff’s deputy Eric Procter was at a nearby apartment complex when he heard squealing tires and the sound of the crash.

Pace said representatives from the company that installed the door were also at the station and removed the door.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

email author More by John