Vicksburg Police Department officials said the person involved in a robbery at Tommy’s BBQ was not in the department’s custody earlier the same day, part of a statement aimed at clarifying community concerns.
The department said it reviewed 911 calls, radio traffic and related records and determined that on May 16, 2026, around 6:00 p.m., dispatch received an emergency request for a mental/medical evaluation of an individual reportedly talking to stop signs and sweating heavily.
Fire Medic 30, Engine 6 and a Vicksburg police officer were sent to the scene, the department said. The officer provided routine scene security and made standard welfare checks. The individual was not reported to be a threat, was not in possession of any weapons and remained calm once placed in the ambulance, the department said.
The person was transported by Fire Medic 30 to Merit Health River Region without incident, the department said. Vicksburg police said the individual became disruptive after arriving at the hospital and that emergency medical services requested assistance from sheriff’s deputies. At no time prior to the robbery was the person in Vicksburg police custody, the department said.
Mental health and medical calls commonly involve both EMS and law enforcement to ensure safety and care, and they can lead to further actions once a patient reaches a hospital. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
