JACKSON — The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office announced Monday that it has completed reviews of four line-of-duty shootings across the state and determined the use of force was justified in each case, the office said.
The reviews followed investigations by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, as required under state law, the Attorney General’s Office said.
One incident occurred July 9, 2022, in Jackson and involved an officer with the Jackson Police Department near the former Canton Apartments on Southwest Street. The office said the department was not releasing all information to the public at the time and that investigators are working to confirm details.
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 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 linked to a collision on Interstate 220 involving a stolen Volvo. Authorities said 47-year-old Anthony Johnson fired shots at an 18-wheeler driver and later pointed a weapon at narcotics detectives, who 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 took place Dec. 31, 2024, in Ridgeland and involved a detective who located a stolen vehicle at Renaissance at Colony Park near Barnes & Noble. Investigators said a 15-year-old suspect struck the detective with the vehicle as officers approached; the detective fired, striking the suspect, who fled and crashed 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. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
