Embattled mayor pleads not guilty to passing school bus

SOUTHAVEN — Southaven Mayor Greg Davis has pleaded not guilty to charges of for allegedly passing a stopped school bus on March 22.

Yesterday, The Commercial Appeal reports the judge hearing the case recused himself at Davis’ request because of his ties to Davis and the mayor’s family.

Justice Court Judge Billy Lantrip said he had no problem hearing the case but wanted both sides to know about his relationship with the Davis family.

Davis is charged with overtaking a school bus and illegal use of blue and red lights on his private vehicle, both misdemeanor offenses.

Davis said in an interview after the incident that he passed the school bus because he was pursuing another vehicle that he saw pass the bus first.