JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Some drivers may have seen a white van abandoned for days along I-55 south near the Old Agency Road exit. Even though it’s parked on the shoulder, it’s still close enough to passing traffic to raise safety concerns.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol, or MHP, said that stretch of interstate is actually under the Ridgeland Police Department’s jurisdiction, showing why reporting an abandoned vehicle isn’t always as simple as calling one agency.

MHP said the best thing to do if you spot an abandoned vehicle is to report it and provide as much location detail as possible, especially the mile marker, so dispatch can send the correct agency.

Trooper Darnika Mayfield, a public affairs officer with MHP, said, “Most of the time, if you see something like that, just let us know what the mile mark is… just call 911 and they can direct the correct agency that cover that area… the city and the county, they do have certain parts of the highway.”

MHP states that no matter where an abandoned vehicle is seen, it should still be reported, particularly if it’s creating a hazard.

“Notify us and let us know, especially if it’s causing a danger… just notify us and let us know so we can get that vehicle out the roadway,” Mayfield said.

Under Mississippi law, a vehicle left on a public road or highway for five days or more meets the state’s definition of an abandoned motor vehicle. That can trigger the abandoned-vehicle process, including towing.

And if you come back and your vehicle is gone, MHP said you can call to find out where it was taken.

“If your vehicle is abandoned on the side of the road, and you come back after five days… just dial *47, dial 911, and we’ll let you know what towing company has your vehicle,” Mayfield said.

We reached out to the Ridgeland Police Department to ask about its abandoned-vehicle policy and when the van along I-55 will be towed.

We’re still waiting for a response.

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Afroman has three Mississippi shows lined up soon. The Grammy-nominee recently unveiled dates for his 2026 Freedom of Speech Tour. The first two are this week. Is one near you?

Afroman’s real name is Joseph Foreman. The 2024 presidential candidate used to live in Hattiesburg.

The rapper is best known for his hits such as “Because I Got High,” “Mississippi” and “Crazy Rap.” He was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Because I Got High,” a comedy song about smoking marijuana.

Here’s what to know about his First Amendment court victory and when you can watch him in the Magnolia State.

Why is it called the Freedom of Speech tour?

In 2022, law enforcement in Adams County, Ohio, raided the rapper’s home. It was tied to allegations of kidnapping and drug trafficking. Afroman was never charged.

Months later, Afroman used video from his home security system in music videos. He has lyrics making fun of specific officers by name. Songs like “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake” have racked up millions of views and streams.

The deputies filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing that he’d committed defamation and invasion of privacy.

He continued releasing police diss tracks. “Batteram Hymn of The Police Whistle Blower” was dropped this month.

A jury acquitted Afroman on March 18.

“I didn’t win, America won,” he told Cincinnati’s WCPO 9 News outside the courthouse.

His new album “Freedom of Speech,” includes the songs from the lawsuit. It drops on April 20. The date, 4-20, is popular and an unofficial holiday for weed smokers.

There were several top performers across the state in girls high school sports, but only one can be voted as the Clarion Ledger athlete of the week for March 23-28.

Fans may vote in the poll BELOW one time per hour per device. The poll closes at noon on Friday.

To nominate a future athlete of the week, email mchavez@gannett.com or message him on X, formerly Twitter, @MikeSChavez.

To submit high school scores, statistics, records, leaders and other items at any time, email mchavez@gannett.com.

Nominations

Lexie Dixon, Alcorn Central: Dixon had eight hits with two home runs and eight RBIs in Alcorn Central games against Booneville and Corinth.

Alyssa McMurtrey, Pisgah: McMurtrey had seven hits with 10 RBIs in Pisgah’s games against Morton and Quitman.

Madison Rhodes, Clinton: Rhodes had four hits with eight RBIs and a pair of stolen bases during Clinton’s games against Madison Central, Germantown and Murrah.

Abbie Robertson, Itawamba Agricultural: Robertson had two home runs and nine RBIs during Itawamba Agricultural’s wins against Amory and Pine Grove.

Addy Walker Phillips, Neshoba Central: Phillips produced six hits and six RBIs in Neshoba Central’s games against West Lauderdale and Choctaw Central.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.