MANHUNT ENDS: Two Brothers Accused In Shooting Of Covington Co. Deputy Captured After Multi-County Search

COVINGTON COUNTY, Miss. (BuzzReport) — A massive law enforcement manhunt came to an end early Tuesday morning after two brothers accused of shooting a Covington County deputy were captured following an intense search that spanned multiple counties and involved numerous local, state, and federal agencies.

Authorities confirmed that 19-year-old Cortavion Hobbs and his brother, Cortavious Hobbs, were taken into custody around 1 a.m. Tuesday, nearly 10 hours after a deputy was critically wounded during a violent encounter near Mt. Olive.

The shooting unfolded at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday when a Covington County deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling near Mt. Olive. According to investigators, the driver refused to pull over, triggering a pursuit along U.S. Highway 49 before turning onto a gravel road near Greer’s CashSaver, an area situated close to the Covington, Smith, and Simpson county lines.

Authorities said the situation escalated rapidly once deputies made contact with the occupants of the vehicle.

During the confrontation, gunfire erupted and a Covington County deputy was struck by a bullet that entered above his protective vest and beneath his arm — a location law enforcement officials described as especially dangerous due to the lack of armor protection. The deputy suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Forrest General Hospital for emergency treatment.

Officials reported Tuesday that the wounded deputy remains hospitalized but is in stable condition.

A second deputy who responded as backup returned fire during the encounter. That deputy was not injured.

The shooting immediately launched an extensive manhunt as authorities searched wooded areas, back roads, and surrounding communities for the suspects. Residents in multiple counties were urged to remain vigilant while heavily armed law enforcement teams worked throughout the evening to track down the brothers.

Investigators revealed that Cortavion and Cortavious Hobbs are the brothers of Cordarius Hobbs, who was recently charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of a married couple during a deadly standoff in Simpson County last week. The connection has drawn additional attention to the case as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding Monday’s shooting.

According to officials, the suspects’ mother confirmed the identities of both men during a conversation with Covington County Chief Deputy Ricky Lott.

The investigation also took a dramatic turn after the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation initially issued Blue Alerts identifying Cortavion Hobbs and 19-year-old Zykerian Magee as suspects. However, authorities later announced that Magee voluntarily surrendered to investigators and cooperated with questioning.

After reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, investigators determined Magee had been misidentified. He was cleared of any involvement in the deputy shooting and was removed from the investigation.

With both Hobbs brothers now in custody, investigators are continuing to build their case. Officials have indicated that additional criminal charges are expected as evidence is reviewed and the investigation progresses.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation remains actively involved in the case alongside the Covington County Sheriff’s Department.

The shooting marks another violent incident involving law enforcement in Mississippi and underscores the dangers officers face during even routine traffic stops. As investigators continue piecing together the events that led to the deputy being critically wounded, authorities say their focus remains on securing justice and ensuring accountability for those responsible.