MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is investigating a shooting in Greenville, Mississippi, that the mayor said injured several people and left a police officer dead.
The MBI said the shooting happened about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday near U.S. Highway 82 and MS 1. According to a statement posted to the City of Greenville’s Facebook page, Mayor Errick Simmons said “several people were injured by gunshots” in the shooting near Reed and Rebecca Streets in Greenville. Simmons said an investigator with the Greenville Police Department died in the shooting.
The Associated Press reported Greenville Police Department Detective Myiesha Stewart was killed as she and other officers responded to a call, according to Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
“Our community is hurting,” Greenville Mayor Mayor Errick D. Simmons said Wednesday outside City Hall, where he was joined by law enforcement officers.
Simmons said Stewart is survived by her 3-year-old son, her parents and other family members.
Investigators have not said what led up to the shooting, how many others were injured, or how serious those injuries were. Tindell said in a statement that a suspect was hospitalized and is in custody. The commissioner did not identify the suspect or specify their injuries.
The MBI said once its investigation is complete, it will turn over its findings to the Attorney General’s Office.
“Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell has been notified and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Greenville Chief of Police Marcus Turner, Sr. and I have visited with family of the deceased officer and we asked on behalf of the family for your continued prayers, condolences, and support during this very difficult time,” said Simmons on Facebook.
Mayor Simmons said the city is recognizing Stewart by lowering flags to half-staff. The city has also brought in grief counselors, pastors, and religious leaders to help and provide services for first responders.
Stewart graduated from high school in Greenville. She majored in criminal justice at nearby Delta State University, where she played basketball in the 2013-14 season.
“She was one who exhibited courage,” Simmons said. “She was one who put fear aside to help someone else.”
“I am truly saddened by the tragic loss of Detective Stewart,” Republican Gov. Tate Reeves wrote Wednesday on Twitter. “Please join me in prayer for her family, her friends, and the entire Greenville Police Department.”
Two other Mississippi law enforcement officers have been killed on duty this year. Johnny Patterson was struck by a car Jan. 13 while directing traffic in front of an elementary school in Shannon, and he died eight days later. Patterson was working for the school and was assistant police chief in Verona. On June 9, Meridian Police Department officer Kennis Croom was shot to death while responding to a domestic violence call.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.