Update: Authorities have confirmed that the police K-9, named Luca, has passed away.
Today, we mourn the loss of Luca, a K-9 with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, who was killed in the line of duty.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to his handler & the entire department during this time.
Luca was a true hero, & his bravery & service will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/AnbFhXR5LV
— MS DPS (@MissDPS) February 22, 2024
ORIGINAL STORY:
Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left one person dead and a police K-9 injured in DeSoto County.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reports that deputies with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department shot and killed a man, identified by family members as 38-year-old Jamarcus Brown, who is said to have opened gunfire, striking a police K-9 on Wednesday near U.S. 61, South of MS 3, in Lake Cormorant.
Deputies with the sheriff’s department claim to have been involved in a vehicle pursuit when deputies used the precision immobilization technique (PIT) to force the suspect’s vehicle to come to a stop. The K-9 was then released with the suspect shooting and injuring the dog. Deputies retaliated, striking the subject, according to police.
Brown received fatal injuries. The officers involved did not receive any serious physical injuries. The K-9 is being treated at a local veterinary hospital.
MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence. Upon completing the investigation, agents will share their findings with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
Meanwhile, Brown’s mother informed WREG in Memphis that she and the family are questioning the validity of the MBI’s report.
