In an interview on WKDZ, Sheriff Aaron Acree provided details on the incident that happened last Tuesday.
Acree said the driver, 21-year-old Jermaine Jackson Jr. of Missouri, was attempting to elude state police on I-24 in Lyon County and got off at the Cadiz exit, where Trigg County officers had been waiting. After driving into a field next to the interstate, Acree said the suspect fired at Sgt. White as he was exiting his patrol car.
After the suspect struck White, he attempted to flee on foot toward a nearby residential area. Acree said he fired at the suspect and struck him, knocking him to the ground.
The suspect continued to fire from the ground until Acree and other arriving officers neutralized the threat.The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by the Trigg County coroner's office.
State police have not released information as to why Jackson fled police, or a motive for firing at officers. Acree said the KSP investigation is continuing.
In the mean time, Sheriff Acree, along with deputies Young and Ahart, are on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. Acree said they will also undergo counseling and speak with a therapist in preparation to return to work in the future.
Police agencies from adjoining counties have been assisting in answering calls and patrolling Trigg County while the department is short-handed.
On the Net:
Interview, original story on WKDZ
