Suspect escaped police custody
The search continues for a suspect who brought a gun to Coldwater High School basketball game last month.
Coldwater Police Chief Rickey Dandridge said Christopher Bernard Muhammad Nolen Jr., 21, of Southaven, is still on the run after escaping from police custody.
“He is supposed to be associated with a gang and we feel that they are hiding him out,” Dandridge said.
Nolen was apprehended after some quick thinking and action by substitute teacher and former Senatobia police chief Steve Holts at a game between Coldwater and Potts Camp on Thursday, Nov. 10.
“We were advised there were possible suspects with weapons at the game,” Dandridge explained. “We noticed some strange activity a short time later when everyone started running toward the exits of the gym. We initially thought it was a fight.”
Dandridge said Holts spotted the suspect leaving the gymnasium with a loaded 9mm handgun tucked in his waistband. Holts followed the suspect and eventually tackled him before Coldwater police officers placed him under arrest. No shots were fired, and no one was injured before the gun was seized by officials.
Dandridge said Nolen is a former Coldwater student with a criminal record. He was taken into custody in connection with the incident and transported in handcuffs to the Coldwater Police Department. While awaiting transfer to the Tate County Jail, Dandridge said Nolen escaped through a back door.
Dandridge believes Nolen, who is facing possession of a weapon on school property and felony fleeing charges, is still in the Coldwater area but has connections in DeSoto County as well.
“We suggest the best thing to do is give us a call, turn yourself in and do the right thing,” Dandridge added.
Multiple law enforcement agencies in north Mississippi are searching for Nolen’s whereabouts. If you have information, call the Coldwater Police Department at 662-662-7979 or the Tate County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 662-301-1111.
