Massive manhunt locates suspect

Published 9:48 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Law enforcement have located a man who fled the scene of an accident Saturday that left two in critical care.

A man identified as Major Wilber Singleton II was driving a white Chevrolet Lumina when his vehicle collided with a black Nissan Altima of a Mobile couple on U.S. 231 Saturday afternoon, said Pike County District Attorney Gary McAliley.

After the incident, Singleton took off in the woods, and a massive manhunt was underway by the DA’s office and the State Troopers until rain hindered the search.

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But, McAliley said Singleton has been located and will be taken into custody soon.

“We know where he is and how he got there, and efforts are being made to take him into custody,” McAliley said.

McAliley said Singleton was a prior felon and has no drivers’ license.

Also, witnesses nearby said he appeared to be intoxicated.

“We have witnesses at the scene who saw him and mentioned he was intoxicated,” McAliley said. “They said they could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages.”

Singleton will face two charges of assault first degree and a felony charge of fleeing the scene of an accident with injuries.

If convicted, Singleton could face 10 years to life in prison for each of the assault charges and one to 10 years for fleeing the scene.

Since he is a prior felon, McAliley said the punishment may be more severe than it otherwise would have been if he is convicted.

“More arrests will be forthcoming against those we already know who have aided him and are leaving the area,” McAliley said. “We will announce those at an appropriate time.”