Man injured in officer-involved shooting; accused of shooting at 18-wheeler driver on interstate 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 an accident on I-220 in Hinds County.

A man driving a stolen vehicle then struck one of the 18-wheelers, got out, and began firing shots at one of the drivers.

While this was happening, Chief Wade says narcotic detectives pulled up and saw the accident.

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

That’s when the detectives began chasing the man.

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

Chief Wade tells WLBT 3 On Your Side that the detectives fired their weapons, striking him. The chief says his injuries are non-life-threatening.

The detectives involved were not injured.

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

Chief Wade says his department has recovered the stolen Volvo, the weapon the suspect had, and the magazine from the weapon.

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 other investigation done by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

“The police officer is shook up. He’s upset because, you know, he could’ve lost his life tonight. His partner could’ve lost his life tonight. My prayers go out to the suspect. I pray that he has a very speedy recovery so he can be held accountable for his actions out here tonight. I also pray for the police officer and other officer involved because this is a very traumatic situation. They were upset about what happened, but we know that they’ll be able to go home tonight.”

According to Chief Wade, MBI will be leading the investigation.

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