Crime

Pascagoula suspect killed, was attempting to cause an explosion, officials say

One person is dead after police exchanged gunfire with a suspect near the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

According to the MBI, the suspect rammed his vehicle through a fence and parked near a large propane tank. He then attempted to ignite propane tanks in the back of the parked vehicle, in an apparent attempt to cause an explosion, the initial investigation shows.

The MBI says when law enforcement arrived, the subject fled on foot, leading to a brief pursuit. An exchange of gunfire between the subject and law enforcement occurred, in which the subject received fatal injuries. No officers or deputies received any serious physical injury.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved in this investigation.

A police car is parked Thursday outside the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula after a shooting.
A police car is parked Thursday outside the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula after a shooting. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com

The Pascagoula Police Department reports there is no current threat to the public, the scene is secure and there is a heavy police presence. Residents are asked to avoid the area.

This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.

People are escorted out of the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula on Thursday as a police sniper patrols the roof.
People are escorted out of the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula on Thursday as a police sniper patrols the roof. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com

This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 1:07 PM.

Margaret Baker
Sun Herald
Margaret is an investigative reporter whose search for truth exposed corrupt sheriffs, a police chief and various jailers and led to the first prosecution of a federal hate crime for the murder of a transgendered person. She worked on the Sun Herald’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Hurricane Katrina team. When she pursues a big story, she is relentless.
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