By Billy Davis

Panola Sheriff Dennis Darby and a deputy picked up a pair of suspected car thieves Saturday evening, ending a four-hour manhunt without incident.

Authorities have charged Larry Light Jr., 34, and Jacob Walker Thomas, 24, with stealing a pickup, fleeing from a sheriff’s deputy, and felony possession of a firearm.

The pickup was stolen in Como, and Light and Thomas ditched it near Hammond Hill and Hwy. 310 according to Chief Deputy Chris Franklin.

Sheriff’s Deputy George Renfroe pursued the suspects and later aided Darby in the arrest, said the sheriff.

“They bailed out of the truck and a manhunt got under way,” Franklin said. The two suspects appeared at dark after deputies pulled back from the area, he said.

A handgun was stolen from the pickup but has not been retrieved, Franklin said.

Franklin said there was a report the two suspects were jail escapees, or jail trusties, but said that had not been verified. Light’s address is Oxford. Thomas is from Jackson.