MONROE COUNTY, Miss.-
Update 3:23 pm:
Sheriff Cecil Cantrell says they are following multiple leads in the shooting of Monroe County police officer Eric Sloan. Cantrell added that Sloan is “soar and shook-up” but will make a full recovery.
SHERIFF CECIL CANTRELL 3:23 PM INTERVIEW
A shooting early Monday morning sent one of Monroe County’s top cops to the hospital. Sheriff Cecil Cantrell tells News Mississippi that narcotics officer Eric Sloan’s life was probably saved because of his bullet-proof vest and that they were looking for a man on a motorcycle.
“A red motorcycle with a black helmet with a red stripe,” said Cantrell in an interview shortly after the shooting. Sloan was still on his was to the hospital.
The shooting happened on Hwy. 45 alternate, near the Okalona exit.
“He wouldn’t raise his visor on his helmet. The deputy takes a couple of steps back then this guy pulls out his gun and starts firing at him. It struck him, thank the lord he had a vest on and it probably saved his life. The deputy returned fire and we don’t know whether he hit the assailant or not. We don’t know.”
SHERIFF CECIL CANTRELL INTERVIEW
Cantrell said he believed Sloan would make a full recovery.
“It’s just a miracle that he’s still with us.
Cantrell said Sloan is 35 and has been in law enforcement for 15 years. He described Sloan as a “good, trained certified police officer”, and as “seasoned”.
“He’s my number one narcotic agent. He knows the game. He knows what to do.”
