Police get blood test results

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 9, 2010

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Police Department has received the results of Dylan Pressgrove’s blood alcohol test, but Police Chief Mike Mullins is not releasing them.

Mullins said state law prevents him from disclosing information prior to a criminal trial. Mullins said he consulted with District Attorney Ronnie Harper before making the decision.

“The Mississippi Uniform Rules for Circuit and County Court Practice prohibit me from disclosing the results of any test,” he said.

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Pressgrove, 17, was the driver of a 2002 4-wheel drive, 4-door GMC pickup that slammed into a tree on Madison Street in the early morning hours on Jan. 1. The wreck injured Pressgrove and his four passengers. All five teens are students at Trinity Episcopal School.

Pressgrove had reportedly driven over the former railroad hump on Canal Street and lost control.

Mullins said the investigation into the wreck is ongoing and any criminal charges filed will be filed at an appropriate time, pending investigations and Pressgrove’s health.

Pressgrove remains hospitalized at University Medical Center in Jackson with serious injuries. He was listed in stable condition as of Friday.

Matthew Rymer, 18, whose legal name is Charles Fos, is still hospitalized at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. His mother said Saturday that Rymer is paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Jennifer Scudiero, 18, was treated at UMC over the weekend for a broken collarbone and serious cuts. She is recovering at home.

Cody Strickland, 17, and Deacon Newman, 18, were treated and released from local hospitals on the day of the accident.

Rule 9.01 of the code Mullins referenced says “Prior to the conclusion of the trial no … law enforcement officer … may release or authorize release of any statement for dissemination by any means of public communication on any matter concerning: … 3. The defendant’s performance on any examinations or tests, or the defendant’s refusal or failure to submit to an examination or test.”