Thomas v. Mississippi Department of Public Safety

CHANDLER, J.,

for the Court.

¶ 1. Mr. Willie Thomas was issued a speeding ticket by Mississippi Highway Patrol Officer Albert Johnson for traveling ninety-two miles per hour in a fifty-five mile-per-hour zone. Mr. Thomas’s son Lonzo was in the car at the time. Approximately twelve minutes after the ticket was issued, Mr. Thomas, who was intoxicated at the time, wrecked his vehicle, causing fatal injuries to his son. Lonzo’s heirs sued the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (“MDPS”) and Officer Johnson for not checking Mr. Thomas for driving under the influence. The Circuit Court of Pike…