Manhunt Underway After Mississippi Sheriff's Deputy Fatally Shot While Transporting Man for Involuntary Psychiatric Evaluation

SIMPSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- A search is underway after a Simpson County Sheriff's deputy was shot and killed by man in custody on Friday.

Deputy James Blair had brought Joaquin Blackwell to a facility in Mendenhall for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation after family members told authorities that they were concerned about the man's mental health, according to The Clarion Ledger.

Following the evaluation, authorities said that the 22-year-old man grabbed the 77-year-old deputy’s gun while exiting the vehicle and then shot him before fleeing the scene.

A manhunt was launched for Blackwell, who is considered armed and dangerous. 

Blair was in law enforcement his entire life and also worked as a paramedic and a school resource officer. According to reports, he was still working because he and his wife were raising their grandsons, whose mother had passed away. 

Blackwell is described as a 22-year-old black male, 5-feet-8-inches tall and weighing 175 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing no shirt and white boxer shorts, officials said. 

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has issued an alert to the public.  

Funeral arrangements are pending.