Armed with a shotgun and two handguns, 52-year-old Richard Dale Crum, who a . The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide emergency bulletin for Newton native Dante Marquez Bender, 31, after he is wanted for allegedly killing a Meridian police officer and another woman earlier today. ACKERMAN, Miss. City of Meridian Arrest Report February 16, 2023. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that the suspect in the shooting of a police officer in Meridian has been arrested. Ackerman Police Chief Tim Cook says he believes Bender ran from law enforcement around Newton last night before they lost track of him. (WTVA) - The man accused of murdering a Meridian police officer and a pregnant woman was captured Friday morning in Ackerman. City of Meridian Arrest Report February 24, 2023. News outlets are reporting that Jones, who was pregnant, was Benders fiancee. "To the family of Officer Croom, I am praying for your strength at this time of immense sorrow. The. There were reportedly also children on the. Updated: Feb. 17, 2023 at 1:45 PM PST. Come Wednesday our area will be in a level 1 marginal MERIDIAN, Miss. She also said Croom had come in on his day off to work a shift when the call came in at 5:20 p.m. about a domestic disturbance. (Mississippi Bureau of Investigation/Facebook). There were no robberies reported. evvnt_require("evvnt/discovery_plugin").init({ (228) 832-2525 | newsrelease@wxxv25.com14531 Hwy 49 North Gulfport, MS 39503. Marshal Service task force. Mississippi House could vote on longer Medicaid, Mississippi GOP governor now backs longer Medic, Black Mississippi capital distrusts plans by wh, https://www.thecroomfoundation.com/donate, CATLETT, Nellie Apr 10, 1935 - Feb 23, 2023, Students celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday at MCM-Meridian, Body-cam video released in fatal Mississippi police shooting, Council seeks more info on 22nd Ave bridge fix, A long time in coming: New sheriff's department unveiled, Council condemns The Ruins, looks at Young Hotel next, Southeast's size proves too much for Magee, No bond for Mississippi pastor accused of sexual battery, Southeast Lauderdale prepares for quarterfinals, Clarkdale's Hopkins juggles football, basketball and baseball expertly. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The killing of Emmett Corrigan, a 30-year-old. There was an altercation that happened off duty with a civilian at a Walmart in Forrest, Patrick said. The Blue Alert issued for Dante Marquez Bender has been canceled. The Friends of Historic Meridian preserve and maintain the buildings within the Meridian Historical Village, sponsor a variety of community events in the Village, offer building rentals including the Village Chapel & Gazebo for weddings and host tours for local elementary students. Meridian Police Chief Deborah Young spoke for about three minutes. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Low 67F. Jackson residents and city leaders, along with state lawmakers who represent Hinds County, took issue with the comment, saying its inaccurate. "He is in custody," the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation tweeted Friday at about 10:45 a.m. Ricardo Vargas, 32, was initially charged in connection with a fatal wreck on North Lakeland Drive, after he claimed to be driving the car. HE IS THE DEFINITION OF A TRUE HO, A Meridian police officer was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on what would have been his day off. Please check back for updates. Croom was originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and once worked for the Hinds County Sheriff's Department, the Terry Police Department and the Jackson Police Department. Kennis Croom worked with the Jackson Police Department previously. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide an update once the park has reopened. Highs are in the 80s again today and there is a chance of light rain showers over the area. Although yesterday was his day off, he chose to come in and serve, which he was known to do regularly, she said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Lauderdale County Arrest Report February 10, 2023. Dante Marquez Bender, Source: Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. They are also easily accessible, which makes them an easy target for theft. The 17-year-old was airlifted to a Jackson hospital. Cobler said the officer's body was sent to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy. A man has been charged in connection to a Waynesboro police car that was reported stolen earlier this year. 31. We are not releasing his name out of respect for the officer's family. Meridian Township's Large Dog Park will be closed the entire month of March due to seasonal maintenance work needed to repair the ground. All tips are anonymous. (AP) A lone gunman killed six people including his ex-wife and stepfather Friday at multiple locations in a tiny rural community in northern Mississippi, the sheriff said, leaving investigators searching for clues to what motivated the rampage. Leaders with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the Blue Asteroid named after pope behind Gregorian calendar reform. . investigation, agents will share their findings with the local District Attorneys Office. I know there are no words that can ease your pain. The Meridian Police Department announced on Tuesday that the victim in a shooting that happened in a park two weeks ago is now the suspect in the case . Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible by 2pm -7pm on Thursday. Copyright 2022 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. The Administrative Office of Courts said Gov. When the second officer arrived moments later, he reported that an officer, Croom, was down and the suspect had fled. Published: Mar. (WTOK) -I feel its my calling.. Now Colemans MERIDIAN, Miss. There were no commercial burglaries reported. UPDATE: Authorities have arrested a suspect in a Thursday shooting that left a Meridian police officer dead. MERIDIAN, Miss. The Mississippi Highway Patrol said Friday that a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of Meridian Police Officer Kennis Croom. High 84F. . If you are an existing Print subscriber click HERE for your login info. MERIDIAN, Miss. Call Meridian Police if at 601-485-1893 if you have any information about either shooting. Officer Kennis Croom responded at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday to a disturbance call on 51st Avenue in Meridian. In lieu of flowers, the Croom Family asks that donations be made in Kennis honor to the Croom Family Foundation, which strives to change the lives of youth, teens, and college students through its programs. }. Church Burglary. BRITTANY JONES. Undated photo from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. (WTOK) - Emmy award-winning producer, animator and director, Byron Vaughns, will be a guest artist at Fridays season opener of Full Moon in downtown Meridian. The suspect, 31-year-old Dante Marquez Bender, is believed to be driving a 2004 Black Nissan Armada with a tag reading IMANI. Bender may be armed and dangerous, if you see him or come in contact with him, please call 911. Hattiesburg man arrested after hot grease slung on significant other Updated : Feb. 16, 2023 at 10:31 . Authorities: Mississippi Officer, 1 Other Dead in Shooting MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Choctaw County Sheriff Scott Lolley told News 11 Thursday that Justin Easley has been charged with murder. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy skies this evening followed by isolated thunderstorms overnight. A deceased Meridian Police Officer and an unidentified deceased female were both found at the scene. 4:04-4:12 THE MISSISSIPPI BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ISSUED A BLUE ALERT FOR SUSPE CT DANTE BENDER WHO WAS ON THE RUN FOR 18 HOURS. Police said the man, an Italian citizen, and the 16-year-old . (WTOK) - An 86-year-old man went missing from his home at around 11:30 Tuesday night. Lauderdale County Arrest Report February 15, 2023, City of Meridian Arrest Report February 14, 2023, Kemper County Arrest Report February 14, 2023, Lauderdale County Arrest Report February 14, 2023, City of Meridian Arrest Report February 13, 2023, Lauderdale County Arrest Report February 13, 2023. gtx_ads_conf.ads["ad-manager-252582"]= {"custom_css":[],"out_of_page_ad":false,"ad_details":[{"min_width":"","max_width":"767","dfp_ad_sizes":[{"dfp_ad_width":"320","dfp_ad_height":"50"},{"dfp_ad_width":"300","dfp_ad_height":"50"},{"dfp_ad_width":"320","dfp_ad_height":"100"},{"dfp_ad_width":"300","dfp_ad_height":"250"},{"dfp_ad_width":"300","dfp_ad_height":"100"}]}],"lazyload":"global","ad_id":"252582","ad_container":"div-ad-manager-252582","ad_placement":"banner-mobile","ad_name":"ad-manager-252582","position":"","article_position":""}; The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that the suspect in the shooting of a police officer in Meridian has been arrested. Officer Croom and his brave actions will never be forgotten," Reeves said in a Twitter post. U.S. We celebrate community and we tell your stories. Avenue." Jones also died in the shooting. Our thoughts are with the Croom family and the men and women of the Meridian Police Department tonight, and in the upcoming days, weeks and months as they struggle to heal from this tragedy, the Tuscaloosa Police Department posted on Facebook. A 76-year-old woman accused of fatally shooting her terminally-ill husband in a Florida hospital is asking to be released from jail. Wed love to hear from you. (WTOK) - Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler confirmed a black man in his 20s is dead after a shooting on 23rd St and 43rd Ave just after 6 p.m. Sunday. Copyright 2022 WTOK. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, City of Meridian Arrest Report February 28, 2023, A new indoor sports facility welcomed into the Queen City, First Alert: Severe storms possible Thursday - Friday morning. Croom was the first to arrive at the scene after shots were fired. ", MISSOURI INMATE WHO ESCAPED WITH 2 OTHERS THROUGH HOLE IN JAIL CELL CEILING CAUGHT IN WYOMING: SHERIFF. A second officer at the scene called out that Croom was down, Young said. The Tigers would come out with all the momentum and would lead the Panthers. "To the family of Officer Croom, I am praying for your strength at this time of immense sorrow. Police are searching for Dante Marquez Bender, 31, following the fatal shooting of a Mississippi police officer and a woman in Meridian, Mississippi on Thursday. I can remember picking up the phone and immediately calling him, because we'd not spoken in a while and I wanted to make sure he was good and answer whatever questions he had," Jones said in a Facebook post. "He chose to come in and serve, which he was known to do regularly," Chief Deborah Young said.Officer Kennis Croom responded at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday to a disturbance call on 51st Avenue in Meridian. The unidentified Meridian. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. text: "Promote your event", Bender also worked for the police department in Newton, his hometown, previously under a different administration, but the reason for his departure wasnt immediately clear, said Patrick. Sumter Central (27-6) led 9-0 early, but Plainview (30-6) took the lead on a Landon White dunk midway through the second quarter. Croom's body was taken to the crime lab in Biloxi, where an autopsy was performed. Bertha is known to be in the area of the 1900 block of 20th Avenue. Updated: 10:18 PM MDT October 13, 2020. Croom, the 30-year-old son of ex- Tuscaloosa City Clerk Tracy Croom, was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. His retirement is effective Mar. publicfile@wtok.com - (601 . I will pray daily that you find solace in his memory; he will truly be missed, he is a hero forever," Davis said in a statement. Meridian police officer from Tuscaloosa shot and killed in the line of duty Croom was shot and killed while responding to a domestic situation Thursday afternoon. I also want to extend condolences to the young woman who had her life taken away from her in this senselessact of violence. So, be sure to tie down and secure your outdoor items. After a statewide search, Bender was captured at about 10 a.m. Friday in Ackerman in Choctaw County by members of a U.S. We celebrate community and we tell your stories. Chief James Davis and JPD extended condolences to Croom's family, friends and the Meridian Police Department. The Lockheed Martin shooting occurred on July 8, 2003, at the Lockheed Martin plant in Meridian, Mississippi.The gunman, Douglas Williams, an assembly line worker at the plant, shot 14 of his co-workers with a shotgun, killing six of them, before committing suicide. We are the most trusted source for local news. After arriving at the home on 51st Street, Croom advised he had one person at gunpoint, then advised that shots were fired. . A high of 82 degrees will shine through scattered clouds with no chances of rain and a slight breeze. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy. Kennis Croom also is the nephew of Sylvester Croom, the former University of . (AP) Authorities have identified three men shot to death in Meridian. Meridian, MS (39302) Today. The suspect is 31-year-old Dante Marquez Bender. I will pray daily that you find solace in his memory; he will truly be missed, he is a hero forever," Davis said in a statement. When you see news happening, share it! breaking news canton, ms. February 27, 2023 equitable estoppel california No Comments . Coleman said he experienced racial discrimination growing up but BIRMINGHAM Plainview boys basketball defeated Sumter Central 55-41 on Tuesday afternoon at Legacy Arena to advance to its second straight AHSAA Class 3A state championship game. Easley, who is held in the Lauderdale County Jail, is also fighting extradition to Alabama. (WCBI) A state-wide manhunt for the man accused of killing a pregnant woman and a Meridian police officer is over. There were no robberies reported. Dante Bender at Ackerman Police Department (Ackerman PD), Dante Bender is put into a MHP cruiser to be taken back to Meridian after being caught in Ackerman. Bender is accused of shooting and killing a Meridian police officer in the line of duty Thursday. Performance Academy cut the ribbon this morning and showed off its new facility to people in the community. After the shooting, information surfaced depicting Williams' history of making threats and racist comments directed at African . 2023 Home WCBI TV | Your News Leader. The Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. (WTOK) - Its time for another edition of our Frontline Responders segment. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, Tuscaloosa police said. Mr. Kevin Richardson has worked for the Enterprise Fire Department since 1986 and has done everything from fighting fires to saving lives after, but there is one thing he still does before every call. User; Business User; United States; Mississippi; . The shooting occurred in Meridian, about 98 miles (158 kilometers) northeast of Jackson. June 9, 2022, at 9:25 p.m. . According to the Columbus Police Department, two vehicles were driving at high speed, and one was chasing the other. Croom was the first to arrive at the scene after shots were fired. Posted 8:07:20 AM. The unidentified Meridian Police Officer was found on 51st Avenue in Meridian, Mississippi, near the Alabama border on Thursday afternoon. High 84F. All rights reserved. The fallen officer's name is not being released by officials. Bender was fired in January just a few months after being hired as a police officer in Newton, Mississippi, said Chief Randy Patrick. }); Areas of patchy fog early. The suspect, identified asDante Marquez Bender, 31, is believed to be armed and dangerousand driving a 2004 black Nissan Armada with a tag that reads "IMANI. This incident occurred on 51st Avenue, Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Meridian city limits. There were no commercial burglaries reported. Thanks to donations from several sponsors, Police Chief Randall Davis and his officers are prepared to equip MERIDIAN, Miss. "I last spoke with Kennis in April after he sent me a message wanting to ask me a question. In lieu of flowers, the Croom Family asks that donations be made in Kennis honor to the Croom Family Foundation, which strives to change the lives of youth, teens, and college students through its programs. Earlier today, someone was shot on Highway 45 and authorities shared details of the suspects vehicle with nearby law enforcement agencies. College Hill Baptist. Stay safe and have a wonderful day. by Mississippi Today February 24, 2023. His impact reached across state lines, and he will always remain rooted with us. But what about our local historic figures?. } Fox News Flash top headlines are here. (WTOK) - Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler confirmed a black man in his 20s is dead after a shooting on 23rd St and 43rd Ave. According to Clarke County Hot Topics, the man left his home on County Road 154. MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence. A woman believed to be Benders girlfriend or fiancee, Brittany Jones, also was found dead at the scene where Croom was shot, authorities said. Dante Bender was arrested Friday morning in Ackerman. A former police officer suspected of killing a Mississippi police officer who was responding to a call about domestic violence has been arrested, authorities said Friday.. Jones was Bender's fiance, according to WTOK. - and much more! A federal jury on Friday failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of a former Citronelle police chief accused of using excessive force on a suspect following a high-speed chase in 2021. NATS 4:13-4:22