Crime
One Dead, Deputy Injured in Officer-Involved Shooting in Trigg County
TRIGG COUNTY, Ky. – A 21-year-old man was fatally shot, and a Trigg County Sheriff’s deputy was injured during a confrontation following a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 24 Wednesday morning.
According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), the incident began when troopers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling eastbound near the 42-mile marker on I-24.
The driver, later identified as Jermaine Terrell Jackson, 21, refused to pull over and fled at a high speed.
The pursuit continued into Trigg County, where Trigg County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the chase.
The vehicle eventually crashed near the 65-mile marker, at which point Jackson exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
During the foot pursuit, Jackson fired at law enforcement officers, striking Trigg County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach White.
In response, three officers from multiple agencies discharged their firearms, striking Jackson. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy White was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
No additional injuries were reported.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. No further details have been released at this time.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.