Commissioner Tindell recognizes Dwayne Stewart in monthly Employee Spotlight

VICKSBURG, Miss. (Vicksburg Daily News) – Commissioner Sean Tindell has recognized Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) Agent/Task Force Officer (TFO) Dwayne Stewart for July’s Employee Spotlight.

The Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) operation in North Mississippi recently received a request from the Waterbury, Connecticut Police Department to assist in the apprehension of Basil Smith, a fugitive wanted for murder.

Smith was reportedly staying at the Hitching Post Motor Inn in Winona, Mississippi. Upon arrival to the scene, Agents could hear screams coming from the hotel room within which Smith was believed to be located.

Agents determined that Smith was holding a gun to his head and was unwilling to leave the hotel room. TFO Dwayne Stewart, a Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent assigned to the GCRFTF, immediately assessed the volatile situation and began the process of strategic de-escalation.

Within minutes, Stewart developed a rapport with the fugitive. The fugitive then tossed the handgun outside the door and calmly exited the room. The fugitive, who suffers from mental psychosis and was suspected of ingesting a harmful substance, was then taken to the hospital. Ultimately, Stewart’s wisdom and experience allowed him to stabilize a dangerous situation, resulting in a safe ending for all involved.

– Commissioner Sean Tindell