A manhunt was underway in Mississippi on Friday night after a suspect in custody fatally shot a Simpson County sheriff’s deputy after grabbing the deputy’s gun, according to reports.
The deputy was struck Friday afternoon as the suspect was being placed in a patrol car outside a mental health center in Mendenhall, southeast of Jackson, 360APROKO reported.
? WANTED: ARMED AND DANGEROUS-Steven Joaquin Blackwell of 149 Mangum Road, Magee, MS for fatally shooting a Simpson County Deputy this evening. Search is underway. Contact your local authorities with information. pic.twitter.com/7qjJgsc53V
— Hinds County Sheriff's Office (@CountyHinds) June 12, 2020
The unidentified deputy was then airlifted to a hospital, where he later died, the Clarion Ledger of Jackson reported.
A Blue Alert has been issued for Steven Joaquin Blackwell 22 Y/O Black Male 5 feet 8 inches tall wanted in connection with an officer involved shooting in Simpson County. The subject is Armed and Dangerous. Do not approach this subject. Call 911 immediately!!!! pic.twitter.com/AFyGg0HwL4
— MHP Jackson (@MHPTroopC) June 12, 2020
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Joaquin Steven Blackwell, 22, was considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen with no shirt and wearing only white boxer shorts, 360APROKO reported.
Blackwell had been brought to the mental health center because family members had raised concerns about his mental health, the station reported. It was unclear how long or why Blackwell had been detained.
Authorities in nearby Hinds County were providing assistance, the Clarion Ledger reported.
