Deadly gunfight erupts in yard as man fights for his stolen truck, MS cops say

A fatal crash investigation turned into a homicide case when police discovered the driver died of a gunshot to the head, according to investigators in Mississippi.

However, the 19-year-old proved to be both a victim and a suspect, the Jackson Police Department said.

The truck was stolen, and the fatal shot was fired as the teenager was engaged in a gunfight with the vehicle’s owner, Interim Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones said at a news conference.

It happened late Thursday, Oct. 2, in the 2800 block of Lakewood Drive, and the vehicle’s owner was also shot, Jones said. The owner is expected to recover.

“We believe that the deceased individual approached an individual ... and stole his vehicle, allegedly,” Jones said.

“It’s our understanding that there was an exchange of gunfire between the deceased individual as well as the victim, whose truck was being stolen. The victim was also transported to (a hospital) by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the leg.”

A weapon linked to the crime was recovered at the crash scene, he said.

The theft happened as the truck sat parked outside the victim’s home, and the crash happened nearby, Jones said.

“We have not been able to determine if (the suspect) took it by force at this time, or if he got into the vehicle without force. But the individual was armed,” Jones said.

Investigators have not yet ruled out the possibility someone else was involved in the case, but it is believed the 19-year-old was driving the truck when it overturned and crashed, Jones said.