A suspect is in the hospital after allegedly firing at a police officer Tuesday night.
Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey said the incident took place Tuesday night just before 9:15 when officers in the area noticed a vehicle circle the area of a quick stop located at the intersection of Beech Street and Jackson Landing Road several times.
Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Magri said the officers were detectives in an unmarked vehicle, and noticed the driver, later identified as 53-year-old James Hart of 823 Herrin Dr., was playing music at a very loud volume, prompting a traffic stop.
As soon as the officers initiated their lights, Hart exited his vehicle and began to walk at a fast pace away from the officers. Magri said the officers asked him to stop, but Hart turned and fired his weapon at officers before attempting to flee on foot. The officer gave several commands for Hart to drop his weapon, before firing several rounds at Hart, striking him twice, once in the leg and the second time in the upper abdominal area.
A gun was found near the man after the shooting occurred and it appeared as though the suspect attempted to toss it after being hit, Dawsey said.
Both officers involved in the shooting were unharmed and are safe.
Hart was transported to Forrest General Hospital for treatment of his wounds, Dawsey said. Magri said Hart’s condition is currently unknown, but could say that he is being held in intensive care.
Investigators with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation, which is protocol when dealing with an officer involved shooting, Dawsey said. In the meantime, the officer involved in the shooting is currently on administrative leave until the MBI investigation concludes, Magri said.
If Hart survives, he will face charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, disorderly conduct failure to comply and resisting arrest by fleeing, Magri said.