RAYMOND – A Jackson police officer was shot in the face with his own gun Friday after he and a suspect got into a struggle. Authorities said Latwan Smith, 24, is being held without bond for the murder of Jackson Police Officer Glen Agee.
Agee, a rookie officer with Precinct One, was shot Friday after he and another officer were transporting Smith to jail.
WLBT said Smith had been arrested at a residence on Wil-O-Wisp Way for domestic violence and aggravated assault for putting a gun to the head of another person during that incident.
Officers said Smith was combative and aggressive when he was taken into custody.
Authorities said this was Smith’s 12th arrest in the last six years.
During transport, Smith reportedly said he was having trouble breathing and asked the officers to roll the rear window down.
Authorities said Smith then maneuvered his handcuffs from behind his back to the front of his body and then used his hands to reach through the open window and open the door.
Smith then bolted behind a Sonic Drive-In Restaurant on U.S. Highway 18 with Officer Agee in pursuit on foot.
Several agencies joined the pursuit of Smith, including a police helicopter. While other officers patrolled the area by car, Agee caught up with Smith about 45 minutes later in the woods in a canal that was about five feet deep.
“We’re pretty much sure that there was a struggle between the suspect and the officer on the water. The details on how the weapon was discharged I’m not prepared to say exactly at this point,” Assistant Chief Lee Vance said.
Officer Agee was found in the water with two gunshot wounds to the face. He was airlifted to University Medical Center in Jackson where he died shortly after arrival.
Agee, 31, had been on the force for two months and reportedly has three daughters.
The investigation continues and police are still searching for Agee’s gun.
Funeral arrangements for Agee have not been finalized.
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