Boy died after police shot during response to alleged theft at Walmart in Mississippi
A child was killed and an adult was seriously injured after an officer shot at a vehicle during a police response.
Mississippi authorities are investigating a police-involved incident that occurred Sunday that resulted in the death of a minor and left an adult in critical condition.
The incident occurred in the afternoon outside a Walmart store in Senatobia, a city located in the northwest of the state.
According to preliminary information released by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, agents went to the establishment after receiving a report of alleged theft.
According to authorities, upon arrival they found two adults who were supposedly leaving the scene along with a minor and boarding a vehicle.
Authorities say an officer shot after trying to stop the vehicle
The Bureau of Investigation indicated that officers attempted to stop the car.
According to the preliminary report, the driver advanced in the direction of the agents and was close to hitting one of them.
The authorities indicated that, at that moment, an officer fired shots at the vehicle.
The people inside the vehicle later arrived at a local hospital. There the death of the minor was confirmed. Additionally, one of the adults was reported in critical condition.
So far, authorities have not released the child's age or additional details about the people involved.
State investigation seeks to clarify what happened
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reported that it has taken over the investigation of the case and will subsequently forward its findings to the state attorney general's office.
Authorities have also not released information about the officer involved or the number of shots fired.
According to the official report, no officers suffered serious injuries during the incident.
The Senatobia Police Department indicated that the incident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. m. on Sunday and assured that he will maintain a policy of transparency while the investigation progresses.
For its part, Walmart indicated that it is collaborating with the authorities.
The company expressed that it regrets what happened and reiterated that the safety of employees and customers is a priority.
Local authorities also asked the community to wait for official information while the case continues.