Crime
Christopher Skinner killed after shooting near Gulfport restaurant on Cinco de Mayo
GULFPORT, Miss. — The Gulfport Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 5, in the parking lot of Azteca’s Restaurant & Cantina, located along Highway 49.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded at approximately 9:36 p.m., during Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
A verbal altercation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Christopher Skinner of Gulfport.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer confirmed that Skinner sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Responding officers immediately rendered medical aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
Despite life-saving efforts, Skinner succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
At this time, it is unclear if any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
Investigators continue to gather information and review evidence from the scene.
The Gulfport Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the department at (228) 868-5959 or anonymously through Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898.
Authorities ask the public for continued cooperation as the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.