FRIDAY UPDATE: Jackson County Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement about the incident on Friday morning.
Yesterday an individual identified as 59-year-old, David Ray Wyrick of Eden, NC, used a vehicle loaded with chemical tanks and a firearm to cause damage to a communications tower located behind the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center on Convent Ave. in Pascagoula near the Jackson County Courthouse.
Jackson County Deputies, Criminal Investigators as well as members of the Jackson County Metro Enforcement Team responded to that location and were engaged with gunfire by Wyrick. Those same deputies and officers returned fire and after a brief gunbattle, Wyrick was hit multiple times and died at the scene.
The tanks on the truck were ablaze for a brief period but were quickly secured by Jackson County Fire Personnel.
As a precaution, Jackson County Deputies, with the assistance of many state, local and federal officers, cleared the Jackson County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex and Jackson County General Services Complex of any potential threats and used Explosive Detection K-9s to sweep the area.
No law enforcement officers or citizens were injured in this incident.
We at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office want to extend our deep gratitude to not only our Deputies but to our law enforcement partners who responded to a rapidly evolving situation, ran towards the gunfire and took action to protect lives and critical infrastructure.
This incident is currently under investigation by Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The last few weeks have been very challenging for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and we once again wish to acknowledge our dedicated Deputies and the support of our partner agencies at the state, local and federal level as well as the people of Jackson County.
The following is a statement from Special Agent In-Charge Robert Eikhoff F.B.I. Jackson Field Office
“The prompt actions of law enforcement officers prevented a significant disaster. The FBI Jackson Field Office is supporting the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in this investigation by providing specialized resources as needed. The FBI remains committed to strong collaboration with local and state law enforcement partners across Mississippi.”
ORIGINAL STORY, published Thursday afternoon:
PASCAGOULA – The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Gautier Police Department that happened April 16 near Magnolia Street in Pascagoula.
According to MBI, the incident happened at about 12:20 p.m.
Investigators said the subject allegedly drove a vehicle through a fence and parked near a large propane tank. Authorities said the subject then tried to ignite propane tanks in the back of the vehicle in an apparent attempt to cause an explosion.
When law enforcement officers arrived, the subject ran from the scene, leading to a brief pursuit, MBI said.
During the pursuit, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the subject and law enforcement, according to investigators. The subject was fatally injured. No officers or deputies suffered any serious physical injuries.
MBI said the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved in the investigation.
The bureau said it is continuing to assess the incident and gather evidence. Once the investigation is complete, agents will turn over their findings to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
MBI said the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change. Additional information may be released later.
