Mississippi officer takes fire: How often are cops shot on the job?

Police Chief Ralph Dance tells WTVA that the officer, Kevin Parker, Jr., is in stable condition at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

A manhunt was underway Wednesday for a suspect who shot a police officer with the officer’s gun when the two got into a struggle, authorities said.

“He said he nearly clipped him with the vehicle”, he said.

On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 60 hours, says The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. So far this year, 76 officers have died in the line of duty, 22 of which involved firearms, according to NLEOMF. “The suspect was able to turn the gun on the officer and shot him in the chest”.

The officer’s vest stopped the bullet to his chest and saved his life according to Dance. “I apologize to his family”.

Despite being shot, Officer Parker did not let the man who shot him take his gun, which Dance suggested could help save someone else.

Nanney said there have been break-ins in the neighborhood, so she called police. “An officer can be beaten to death by an individual just like he can be shot to death”, Dance said, adding that the human body itself can be a weapon.

“I really, really feel bad”, Nanney said. “I do I feel nearly like it is my fault”. “We’re going to be out there all day until we find this person”.

Alcorn Sheriff Charles Reinhart said he’s been up since early this morning as his agency assists Corinth PD in any way they can. She said they did not do anything wrong.

If anyone has any information on the suspect, they are asked to contact the Corinth Police Department.