PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – A missing Neshoba County teenager who was the subject of a multi-agency manhunt has been taken into custody, and charges are pending in both Neshoba and Newton counties, sheriffs from both counties confirmed.
Bradley Pierce, 15, of the Bethsaida Community, who was reported missing on April 23, 2026, was apprehended Sunday, April 26, in Union, Mississippi following an alleged series of vehicle thefts, a crash, and a foot pursuit that drew law enforcement from across the region.
How It Unfolded
According to authorities, the incident began in the Erin Lucern Road area of Newton County, where Bradley took a truck and stole firearms. He wrecked the truck, and Newton County deputies responded to work the scene. By mid-morning, investigators realized the juvenile had also stolen a charcoal gray Nissan from a nearby road in the same community.
Investigators tracked the vehicle using License Plate Readers, which returned hits leading law enforcement toward the Union area. Around midday, the stolen Nissan was located at an apartment complex on North Street in Union.
The Manhunt
When law enforcement spotted the vehicle, they observed the juvenile flee on foot into a wooded area. What followed was a coordinated search involving multiple agencies spanning a defined perimeter — bordered by County Line Street to the south, North Street to the west, and Road 313 to the east.
Officers canvassed the area and eventually observed Bradley in a clearing on County Line Street. Newton County deputies were able to take him into custody without further incident. He was wearing blue shorts and a white t-shirt — different clothing from when he was first reported missing.
Agencies involved in the search and apprehension include, but not limited to:
Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office, Union Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, CTED (Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division)
Charges and Next Steps
Newton County Sheriff Joedy Pennington confirmed the juvenile is in custody and is scheduled to appear before a Youth Court judge on Wednesday. Charges are pending in both Newton and Neshoba counties in connection with the alleged thefts and related incidents.
Sheriffs Praise Regional Law Enforcement
Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark took the opportunity to commend the agencies involved in the operation.
“We have a very competent group of law enforcement in this area,” Sheriff Clark said. “It is a testament to how the local agencies communicate and network to protect the area. I am very proud of how they perform and do this daily. This area is blessed with law enforcement that network in the area.”
Newton County Sheriff Joedy Pennington echoed that sentiment, adding that it is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and hardworking professionals in the area.
Bradley’s mother, Charli Pierce, announced on Facebook that her son had been found safe, saying, “Bradley has been found and is safe. Thank you all for your many prayers.”
