Mississippi deputy seriously injured in shooting, 2 suspects identified

A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured after being shot during a traffic stop at a supermarket, according to officials. A Blue Alert has been issued for two 19-year-old suspects.

The shooting happened at about 3:38 p.m. on Monday at Greer’s CashSaver on Main Street in Mount Olive, Mississippi, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The deputy is a member of the Covington County Sheriff’s Office.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said the deputy was seriously injured during a traffic stop. Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston confirmed to WDAM that the deputy suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot above his vest and under the arm.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation identified the suspects as 19-year-old Zykerian Quentavius Magee and 19-year-old Cortavion Dewayne Hobbs. Both are wanted in connection with the shooting and are believed to be armed and dangerous.

Officials said Magee and Hobbs are believed to be in the area of the 200 block of South Bluff Street in Mount Olive. Residents were told to call 911 immediately if they see either suspect or observe suspicious activity.

Magee is described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair.

Hobbs is described as a Black male wearing a camouflage hoodie. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts was asked to call 911 or the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation at 855-642-5378.

“A hero needs your prayers,” Governor Reeves said. “Law enforcement is working to bring those responsible to justice. Make no mistake, they will be brought to justice.”