An officer-involved shooting in Vicksburg Wednesday resulted in the death of a 17-year-old.
Mississippi Department of Safety (DPS) officials report that Vicksburg police officers arrived at a local residence to serve a warrant on Wednesday, where they came across the suspect. The suspect brandished a firearm towards officers, who responded by firing upon the teen. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds.
On Thursday, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs announced the teenage suspect had succumbed to his injuries.
“Every loss of life is a tragedy, and the loss of such a young life is particularly heartbreaking,” Flaggs said in the announcement. “My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Bailey Martin of DPS reports that the officers involved in the shooting did not sustain any serious physical injuries. An investigation into the shooting is being carried out by Mississippi Bureau of Investigation agents, which is to be reviewed by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
“My thoughts are also with the Vicksburg Police Officers who were on duty to protect and serve our community,” Flaggs continued. “These officers were forced to make a split-second decision to use deadly force to protect their lives. This is an unfortunate reality our officers sometimes face, and I stand behind their commitment to safeguarding our city.”
