A third teenager has been arrested for trying to steal the vehicle of a reserve deputy with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened the morning of Dec. 29 at J&A Fuel gas station on Medgar Evers Boulevard in Jackson, sparking gunfire between the culprits and the male law enforcement officer. A bystander caught a stray bullet and had to be transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Last week, the Jackson Police Department announced the arrests of a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old for their alleged roles in the attempted carjacking. On Monday, JPD added that a 17-year-old has also been arrested. The names of the juveniles have not been released, nor has the name of the deputy involved.
As reported after the incident occurred, the deputy is said to have parked his vehicle and walked inside the gas station when a Kia SUV pulled into the parking lot. The Kia, later discovered to be stolen, was occupied by a group of Black males with one of the suspects hopping into the police vehicle and trying to drive away.
The law enforcement officer was met with gunfire when walking out of the store. He retaliated, causing the suspects to flee on foot. Shortly after vacating the premises, the suspects returned to retrieve the vehicle they used to drive to the scene and began firing at the deputy once again. Video surveillance of the incident was submitted to JPD, which is investigating alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
While the three juveniles are now in custody and charged with aggravated assault and armed carjacking, JPD noted that a warrant has been obtained for the arrest of one other individual. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (601)960-1234.
