Man injured in officer-involved shooting; accused of shooting an 18-wheeler driver on the highway moments before

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – An investigation is underway after an officer-involved shooting in Jackson.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade tells WLBT 3 On Your Side that two 18-wheelers were involved in a crash on I-220 in Hinds County.

A man driving a stolen vehicle then hit one of the 18-wheelers, got out and started shooting at one of the drivers.

While this was happening, Chief Wade said narcotics detectives pulled up and saw the accident.

According to the chief, the 18-wheeler drivers told investigators that a man was shooting at them.

Then the detectives started chasing the man.

The chief says the man ran onto McCain Avenue and brandished his weapon, pointing it at the detectives.

Chief Wade tells WLBT 3 On Your Side that the detectives fired their weapons, hitting him. The chief says his injuries are not life-threatening.

The detectives involved were not injured.

“It’s a very volatile situation because we don’t want to shoot or use deadly force in any situation,” Chief Wade said. “But these police officers want to go home. I have two witnesses on the highway who specifically saw this person shooting at the driver of the 18 wheeler he was involved in an accident with.

Chief Wade says his department recovered the stolen Volvo, the gun the suspect had, and the gun’s magazine.

The chief tells WLBT 3 On Your Side that the JPD detective will be placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation and the outcome of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s other investigation.

“The police officer is shocked. He’s angry because he could have lost his life tonight. His partner could have lost his life tonight. My prayers go out to the suspect. I pray that he has a very speedy recovery so that he can be held accountable for his actions here tonight. I also pray for the police officer and other officers involved as this is a very traumatic situation. They were shocked at what had happened, but we know they can go home tonight.”

According to Chief Wade, MBI will lead the investigation.

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