The search for a man accused of firing at law enforcement officers has concluded with the subject being found dead in a horse trailer, Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston said.
Houston said that Kevin Clay “KC” Adams, 26, was spotted not long after day four of manhunt begun Monday. Law enforcement at the scene reportedly established a perimeter and initiated verbal communication with him. Authorities reportedly heard a single gunshot from within the horse trailer.
Adams was then found deceased from what officials believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The deceased’s family has been notified of the incident and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been contacted to assess the scene, the sheriff confirmed.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. I also want to thank the citizens of Smith County for their patience, cooperation, and the many tips that were provided during this case,” Houston stated.
“A special thank you goes to the Polkville Volunteer Fire Department for their hospitality in allowing us to use their station as our command post during this investigation,” he continued. “I also want to thank Smith County Emergency Management for the invaluable assistance and support they provided throughout this operation.”
Adams had been on the run since Friday. That’s when he allegedly retrieved a firearm from his vehicle before fleeing on foot and firing at two deputies as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant off Highway 13 near the Polkville Volunteer Fire Department.
Law enforcement officials then spent the weekend searching the area where the shooting reportedly occurred. The search later shifted toward the Bienville National Forest before responding agencies finally located Adams.
“Finally, I ask everyone to continue praying for the Adams family, as well as for all of the law enforcement personnel who have been involved over the past several days,” Houston concluded. “We are especially thankful to our Lord for watching over our two deputies who were involved in the initial incident, the wife and two children who were present, and for keeping every officer involved in this operation safe.”
