At least five of 12 stolen vehicles from the Jackson arearecovered in Brookhaven in the last week are tied to what could bea stolen car ring, authorities said.

Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Henderson said on May 25, a SouthwestMississippi Narcotics Enforcement Unit agent got a tip on somestolen vehicles and found the initial five at the home of PatrickMcCoy at 105 Furr Ave. in Brookhaven.

“We know those were in his possession,” Henderson said. “We alsohave interviewed other people that say they have purchased carsfrom him.”

McCoy fled from police, in part because narcotics were alsodiscovered at his residence, Henderson said. He has not yet beenapprehended, but police are following leads on hiswhereabouts.

In addition to the five cars recovered at McCoy’s home, Hendersonsaid another seven have been gathered since that day.

“They’re all stolen out of Jackson,” he said. “We don’t know ifthose seven are related to McCoy or others selling stolencars.”

Henderson said he will meet with members of Jackson PoliceDepartment’s auto theft division to compare notes on Wednesdayafternoon.

None of the recovered vehicles are from the Brookhaven area,Henderson said. He said as the investigation continues, however, heexpects to continue to bring in stolen cars, based on what he’sseen so far.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are other cars out there,” hesaid Wednesday. “We had one come in just last night.”

Meanwhile, police are urging citizens who may have bought cars fromprivate individuals to consider whether the deal they got was toogood to be true. Officials said one victim of the scam paid $3,000for a car that could have cost more than $50,000.

“I recommend that if people purchase vehicles and they thinksomething about it is unusual, they bring it to the BrookhavenPolice Department,” he said. “It’s a lot easier than for us to haveto track you down.”

Henderson also urged anyone with knowledge of McCoy’s whereabouts,or who might have bought a suspicious car, to contact BPD at601-833-2424 or Lincoln County Crimestoppers at 601-823-0150.