JACKSON — The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office announced Monday it has completed reviews of four line of duty shootings across the state and determined the use of force was justified in each case.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the reviews were conducted following investigations by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, as required under Mississippi law.
One of the incidents reviewed occurred July 9, 2022, in Jackson and involved an officer with the Jackson Police Department near the former Canton Apartments on Southwest Street. This was during a period of time when Jackson Police Department was not releasing all information to the media or the public and we’re working to confirm what happened.
Another case stemmed from a Feb. 21, 2024, pursuit in Lake Cormorant involving deputies with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said deputies executed a PIT maneuver after a vehicle pursuit near U.S. 61 south of Mississippi 3. Authorities said the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jamarcus Brown, fired at a K-9 after deputies released the dog. Deputies returned fire, killing Brown. The K-9, Luca, suffered serious injuries and later died shortly before retirement.
The Attorney General’s Office also reviewed an Oct. 15, 2024, shooting in Jackson involving a Jackson police officer. Police said the incident began on Interstate 220 after a collision involving a stolen Volvo. Authorities alleged 47-year-old Anthony Johnson fired shots at an 18-wheeler driver before later pointing a weapon at narcotics detectives, who then shot him in the lower extremities. Johnson was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The fourth incident occurred Dec. 31, 2024, in Ridgeland and involved a detective with the Ridgeland Police Department. Investigators said detectives located a stolen vehicle at Renaissance at Colony Park near Barnes & Noble. Authorities said a 15-year-old suspect struck a detective with the vehicle as officers approached. The detective fired his weapon, striking the suspect, who then fled before crashing near Watkins Drive and Interstate 220. The teen was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated assault on a police officer and receiving stolen property.
The Attorney General’s Office said all four reviews concluded the officers’ actions were legally justified under Mississippi law.
