Mississippi Trooper MSgt Steven Hood

**Cidp24** · 05-30-09, 02:55 PM

May 29, 2009

Details few in Miss. trooper's pursuit death

By MONTE WILLIAMS
williams@jackson.gannett.com
A Mississippi trooper was killed tonight during a pursuit on Miss. 370 at the Lee-Prentiss County line.
Master Sgt. Steve Hood, a member of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol since 1982, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lee County coroner, reports say.

Hood’s car left the highway and hit a tree. Apparently, his was the only vehicle involved in the crash near Brice's Crossroads Military Park.

It’s unknown whom Hood was chasing or for what reason. A news release from the patrol late tonight said investigators have located the other vehicle.

"Witnesses have identified the vehicle," the release said. "The investigation continues into the identity and arrests" of the subjects.

The patrol is asking the public for information on the chase and for tips on who might have been involved.

Lee and Prentiss County sheriff's officials and highway patrol reconstructionists are at the scene, investigating, the report said. The state's Bureau of Investigation is also helping.

"He was an exemplary trooper and a famly man, said Col. Michael Berthay. "Steve was appointed to the highway patrol in 1982 and assigned for most of his career to Troop F and was originally from the Jericho communtiy."

"Words cannot measure or state the loss that the patrol and patrol families feel tonight."

About a year ago, a fellow trooper helped save Hood's life after a logging accident on Hood's land.

A large limb crashed into Hood's head as he was piling up debris on his tractor.

Trooper Ray Hall happened to be patrolling near Hood's home when the call for help went out and was the first trooper to arrive on the scene.

Hall realized the severity of the situation, called in the helicopter crew and used his state-issued GPS to bring the helicopter directly to Hood.

Hall, who is still on the force, was recognized for his efforts.

Hood is survived by his wife and three children.

All suspects have since been arrested. This Trooper was due to retire in about two weeks.

RIP

**Second Chance** · 05-30-09, 03:04 PM

R.I.P.........All I can say is just like a good officer he was doing his job until the last day, not slacking off or taking it easy.

**CTR man** · 05-30-09, 03:05 PM

Damn, not another one from Mississippi, and due to retire. You guys just lost one two weeks ago.

My condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen.

**BigDawg** · 05-30-09, 03:32 PM

My thoughts and prayers to the MSgt's family, friends, and the State Police.

RIP my Brother

**Radar** · 05-30-09, 04:53 PM

RIP Friend, Brother. We'll take the watch.

**GASheepdog** · 05-30-09, 05:52 PM

Condolences to the trooper's family and coworkers.

**Jenna** · 05-30-09, 07:40 PM

Rest in peace.

**Captain America** · 05-30-09, 08:07 PM

Fading Light

Falling Night

Trumpet Call , As The Sun , Sinks In Fright

Sleep In Peace, Comrade Dear

GOD is near.

Rest in peace , MasterSgt. Hood. My condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

**lewisipso** · 05-30-09, 09:04 PM

RIP.

**GirlInBrown** · 05-30-09, 09:05 PM

RIP Brother......

**TXCharlie** · 05-30-09, 09:51 PM

It always seems so much sadder when it happens right before retirement. Hard week for Mississippi.

RIP

**Wolven** · 05-31-09, 08:35 AM

RIP

**oldtrooper** · 05-31-09, 02:49 PM

I knew Steve personally and he was indeed a good guy. You can go to mstroopers.com for pictures and other details.

RIP Steve

**Willowdared** · 05-31-09, 08:02 PM

Thoughts and prayers en-route.

**kjlaw** · 05-31-09, 08:09 PM

Reat easy my brother

**ChesCopPodz** · 05-31-09, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

R.I.P.........All I can say is just like a good officer he was doing his job until the last day, not slacking off or taking it easy.

That says a lot about him. We all know those, and don't blame them one bit, who only do what they have to do when they're getting ready to retire. Not him, hard charger to the end.