Lowndes County urges use of monitored exchange site after reported marketplace shooting

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office on Monday urged residents to use its designated, monitored exchange location when completing online purchases after a reported shooting tied to a marketplace transaction in neighboring Panola County.

WJTV reported that Panola County deputies responded to River Road near Sardis after a passerby reported what appeared to be a single-vehicle crash. Deputies found a father and daughter inside the vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the pair had arranged to meet someone to purchase a PlayStation 5 through Facebook Marketplace, WJTV reported.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that its Internet Purchase Exchange Location is in the sheriff’s office parking lot, is monitored by cameras 24 hours a day and is staffed on site. The office said the area provides a safer place for buyers and sellers to complete transactions arranged through online marketplaces.

The sheriff’s office advised residents to meet in public, well-lit locations; use the county exchange site when possible; avoid remote or secluded locations; bring another person if available; and trust their instincts. If you have questions about using the exchange location, contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. We will provide more information as it becomes available.