MHP responds to abandoned vehicle left on side of Mississippi interstate

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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