A man was charged with first-degree murder after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement in Wiggins.
Deputies with the Stone County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area of Thelma Andrews and East Avery Road on Friday after getting reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, a victim was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigators identified the suspect as Orlando Breland, who was located at his residence not far from the scene and firing gunshots into the air. Breland barricaded himself inside and refused to surrender to authorities, resulting in law enforcement setting a perimeter around the home.
After several hours, smoke was spotted coming from the home. According to deputies who were on the scene, it is believed Breland started a fire using the stove before running out the back door in an attempt to flee law enforcement. He was quickly taken into custody and charged.
The arrest announcement was made by the Stone County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday.
“The safety of our citizens and first responders are top priority and with numbers, comes strength,” a release noted, thanking other responding agencies.
Those who aided in the situation were Wiggins Fire Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Biloxi Police Department, D’Iberville Police Department, Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The name of the victim has not been released at this time as the investigation continues. Any relevant information can be turned over to the Stone County Sheriff’s Department at (601) 928-3191 or by contacting Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at (877) 787-5898.
