Officer-Involved Shooting in Pascagoula Under Investigation After Suspect Allegedly Attempts Explosion

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (BuzzReport) — Authorities are investigating a chaotic and potentially catastrophic incident that unfolded Thursday in downtown Pascagoula, leaving one man dead after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement near the Jackson County Courthouse.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) confirmed it has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which involved multiple agencies and raised concerns about a possible attempted explosion in a busy area during peak hours.

Incident Details

According to an MBI news release, the suspect drove a vehicle through a fence and came to a stop near a large propane tank just south of the courthouse. Investigators say the man had additional propane tanks in the back of his vehicle and allegedly attempted to ignite them in what officials described as “an apparent attempt to cause an explosion.”

Law enforcement officers responding to the scene attempted to make contact with the suspect. However, the situation escalated quickly when the man fled on foot, prompting a brief chase.

Authorities say the suspect then produced a firearm, leading to an exchange of gunfire between him and responding deputies. Within minutes, the suspect was shot and killed.

Heavy Gunfire Reported

A witness at the scene reported hearing between 50 to 60 gunshots during the confrontation, underscoring the intensity of the incident. Officials have not confirmed the exact number of shots fired but acknowledged the encounter was significant and unfolded rapidly.

Multi-Agency Investigation

The MBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from federal partners including the Federal Bureau of Investigationand the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The involvement of federal agencies highlights the seriousness of the suspected attempt to detonate propane tanks in a populated area.

MBI officials stated that investigators are actively collecting evidence and will present their findings to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office once the investigation is complete.

Public Safety Concerns

The incident occurred in the heart of Pascagoula during the lunch hour, a time when foot traffic is typically high in the downtown area. Authorities emphasized that the situation posed a significant threat to public safety.

Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, though portions of the area surrounding the Jackson County Courthouse remain closed as investigators continue processing the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect. It remains unclear what motivated the alleged attempt to ignite the propane tanks or whether the suspect had any specific target in mind.

Investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the confrontation, including how the suspect obtained the materials and what may have prompted the incident.

Officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation remains active.