Shoplifting suspect shot by Ridgeland police

Published 7:13 pm Monday, June 29, 2009

A suspect who allegedly hit and injured a Ridgeland police officer with his car has died from a gunshot wound suffered while making his getaway, police said Monday.

Police Lt. John Neal said 19-year-old Derrick Watkins, of Jackson, died Sunday night at University Medical Center in Jackson.

Neal said the officer was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Police have not released the officer’s name.

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Neal said the officer was treated for a knee injury and released from Baptist Hospital in Jackson.

Neal said officers were called to the Wal-Mart on Sunday after a report of a shoplifter leaving the store with audio/video equipment.

Neal said the suspect rammed his car into patrol units and the officer was struck as the suspect was backing up. Neal said the officer fired at the suspect a number of times.