Gulfport police ask for help in locating ‘armed and dangerous’ 21-year-old

The Gulfport Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Richard Jermaine Smith Jr., who is currently wanted for one count of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault after an incident at Big Boy’s Convenience Store in early June.

Smith is described as a 21-year-old Black male, approximately 6 feet tall and 315 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a large build and should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to the Gulfport Police Department, on June 7 at about 8:42 p.m., officers responded to a drive-by shooting that occurred at 13042 Dedeaux Road.

During the investigation, detectives determined the incident stemmed from an altercation involving a 16-year-old juvenile and another individual who were together at the business. Detectives learned that the juvenile allegedly bumped Smith with a door while entering the store. The juvenile reportedly had a large firearm visible in his waistband. A short time later, Smith allegedly brandished his own firearm and demanded the juvenile surrender the weapon.

As the two victims fled the scene, 17-year-old Kenneth Ty Hopkins, of Gulfport, allegedly entered their vehicle and stole several items. On June 11, Hopkins was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Hopkins was processed and transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held on a $525,000 bond set by Judge Fountain.

Anyone with information regarding Smith’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at mscrimestoppers.org.