One man 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 an officer on patrol noticed a vehicle circle his patrol vehicle several times while at a quick stop located at the intersection of Beech Street and Jackson Landing Road.
Officers then observed the driver exit the vehicle before allegedly running from the officers, Dawsey said.
The suspect then allegedly shot at the officers, causing one of the officers to return fire at least four times, striking the man in the upper body, Dawsey said. A gun was found near the man after the shooting occurred. Dawsey said it appeared as though the suspect attempted to toss the gun after being hit.
Both officers involved in the shooting are safe. The man was transported to Forrest General Hospital for treatment of his wounds, Dawsey said. Information about the man’s condition was unavailable Tuesday night.
The chief said that the department has identified the suspect, but is waiting to release his identity. Dawsey said that if the suspect dies in the night, then next of kin will need to be notified before his identity is released.
Investigators with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations were on the way to the scene to conduct an investigation, which is protocol when dealing with an officer involved shooting, Dawsey said.