Update: ID of man shot by deputy released

A man was shot in the leg Sunday after opening fire on a Harrison County deputy responding to a reported suicidal person, officials said.

Sheriff Troy Peterson said James Epperson Jr., 38, was already outside when the deputy arrived at a property in the 10230 block of Firetower Road in Pass Christian. The deputy had — luckily — pulled up to a neighboring home.

Epperson immediately started shooting at the deputy, Peterson said.

The deputy returned fire and shot Epperson in the leg.

Epperson was taken to Garden Park Medical Center for treatment, then transported to the Harrison County jail. He is being held on a charge of aggravated assault of a police officer.

Peterson said he believes Epperson “is going to be just fine.”

The deputy was not injured.

Lt. Coley Judy said concerned neighbors had called Epperson’s mother, who hadn’t been at the home in several days, and his mother called police.

Epperson is being held on a $100,000 bond set by Justice Court Judge Melvin Ray.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting.

Check back for updates to this story.

This story was originally published June 26, 2016 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Update: ID of man shot by deputy released."