The Coldwater Police Department is searching for a suspect who escaped from custody after he was caught with a handgun at a high school basketball game.
Coldwater Police Chief Rickey Dandridge said the suspect, he identified as Christopher Bernard Muhammad Nolen Jr., 20, of Southaven, 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.
“Some bystanders alerted us a male subject possibly had a weapon,” 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.
“Safety at our schools is always a top priority for us,” Dandridge said. “We are very thankful Steve was there to help out.”
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.
Multiple law enforcement agencies in north Mississippi are currently 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.
The incident also forced Tate County School District to implement a new policy for entry into athletic events at Coldwater, Independence and Strayhorn High Schools.
A statement from TCSD said new security procedures officially went into effect Monday, Nov. 14, including the use of metal detectors and handheld wands at entrances. A “clear bag” policy will also be enforced, and all attendees and bags are subject to search before entry into athletic facilities.
