MBI investigating officer shooting at Renaissance

RIDGELAND — The juvenile suspect wounded in an officer-involved shooting that occurred on New Year’s Eve when he attempted to evade police at Renaissance at Colony Park last week has been charged, Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers said.

The suspect’s identity has not been revealed as he is a juvenile. Myers said he is 15 years old and lives in Ridgeland. The suspect is charged with fleeing, aggravated assault of a police officer, receiving stolen property, malicious mischief and possession of burglary tools.

“We, as parents, must get a hold on our children,” Myers said. “There must be parental oversight regarding where our children are and what they are doing. We, as parents, should know who our children associate with and their character and values. If we don’t exercise great care in teaching our children right from wrong, asking the uncomfortable questions and teaching that there are consequences for their actions the state will do the parents’ job and it will not be comfortable.”

Further details are sparse as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation into the matter, MBI spokeswoman Bailey Martin said.

“The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues to assess this critical incident and gather evidence,” Martin said. “Upon completing the investigation, agents will share their findings with the Attorney General’s Office.”

Ridgeland Police first encountered the suspect when detectives had located a stolen car at the Renaissance near Barnes and Noble at about noon on Dec. 31, around 1 p.m. 

“The suspect was approached as he was entering the vehicle, and he struck a detective with the stolen car,” Myers said. 

According to Myers, shots were fired, and the driver then rammed other vehicles and fled the scene. 

A pursuit was initiated, and the driver lost control of the vehicle at Watkins Drive and I-220 in Jackson and was taken into custody. 

“This is an officer-involved Shooting, and the suspect was hit but is conscious," Myers said at the time. “MBI has been called to the scene. This will be their investigation.”

Myers said several local and federal agencies offered their assistance in this incident.

“Special thanks to Madison PD, Madison County Sheriffs Department, US Marshals, and the Jackson Police Department,” Myers said.

The Renaissance issued a statement about the incident. 

“Thankfully, the situation is under control, all customers and employees are safe, and suspects are in custody,” The statement from the shopping center reads in part.