JACKSON, Miss.
--
Jackson police have taken two people into custody in connection with the Monday morning shooting of a police officer.
Family members confirmed that Jackson Police Officer DeWayne Collier was shot. University Medical Center officials said that Collier is in critical condition at the hospital.
Jackson police said that the officer, who they declined to name, was shot at about 11 a.m. near the Lakewood Funeral Home on Clinton Boulevard.
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton said that the officer was shot in the head.
Sgt. Jeffery Scott said the officer attempted to stop a vehicle that police believed was involved in the robbery of Auto Title Loans at 1898 Highway 80 West early Monday morning. An altercation broke out and the officer was shot.
Scott said that the officer's cruiser was found later in the area of Montgomery and Norman roads. Scott said that two people were tanken into custody following a manhunt in that area. Police were still searching for a third suspect Monday afternoon.
Scott wouldn't say how many shots were fired, but a receptionist at the funeral home said that she heard two gunshots and a man who lives in the area said he heard up to nine shots.
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