08/03/2026
GREENVILLE POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOLLOWING PURSUIT AND ALLEGED ASSAULT ON INVESTIGATORS
GREENVILLE, MS – On the evening of Saturday, August 1, 2026, Greenville Police Department investigators attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white Nissan Murano after observing the driver recklessly operating the vehicle, repeatedly honking the horn, and nearly striking other motorists and pedestrians.
As investigators attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to yield and fled, initiating a pursuit through the City of Greenville and into Washington County.
During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly displayed a firearm from the driver's side window and fired multiple rounds in the direction of pursuing Greenville Police investigators. Investigators exercised restraint throughout the incident due to the presence of numerous civilian motorists and pedestrians along the pursuit route, prioritizing the safety of the public while continuing to pursue the suspect.
The pursuit continued southbound on Mississippi Highway 1, where the suspect allegedly committed multiple traffic violations, including running several traffic signals and traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. At one point during the pursuit, the suspect also appeared to attempt to ram a Washington County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle.
A coordinated response between the Greenville Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office ultimately resulted in the suspect being taken into custody near the intersection of Mississippi Highway 1 and Wilcox Road without further incident.
The suspect has been identified as Antonio Zavala, 30 years of age.
A search of the suspect's vehicle did not locate the firearm believed to have been used during the pursuit. Investigators believe the weapon may have been discarded before the suspect's arrest. However, officers recovered two large knives from Zavala's person, along with a 12-gauge shotgun shell found in his pocket.
Zavala was transported to the Greenville Police Department for processing. His vehicle was impounded as evidence.
Investigators are aware of a video of a portion of this incident that has been circulating on social media. While the video captures only a limited segment of the events, it does not depict the entirety of the pursuit or the actions that occurred before and after the recording. The Greenville Police Department reminds the public that the investigation is based on the totality of the evidence collected, including officer observations, witness statements, physical evidence, and investigative findings—not solely on video clips shared online. We encourage the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation.
Antonio Zavala has been charged with:
• Careless Driving
• Felony Fleeing and Eluding
• Two (2) Counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly Weapon
• Three (3) Counts of Disregarding Traffic Control Devices
The investigation remains active as detectives continue efforts to recover the firearm believed to have been used during the incident. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
The Greenville Police Department commends the professionalism, courage, and restraint demonstrated by its investigators throughout this dangerous incident, as well as the assistance provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Their coordinated efforts helped bring a dangerous pursuit to a safe conclusion while minimizing the risk to innocent motorists and members of the public.
Anyone with information regarding the location of the firearm or additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Greenville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (662) 378-1515 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
