Crime
Off-Duty McComb Police Sergeant Jason Blake Fatally Shot While Aiding Civilian, Suspect Died by Suicide
MCCOMB, Miss. — Authorities have confirmed that a deadly shooting in McComb on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of two individuals, including off-duty McComb Police Sergeant Jason Blake, who was fatally shot while attempting to assist someone in need.
According to McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry, Sgt. Blake responded to a personal request for help from an individual, despite being off duty at the time.
Upon arriving at the residence near Highway 44 and Cole Thomas Road, he encountered an armed suspect who opened fire.
Reports indicate that the gunman shot two people inside the residence, killing one of them, before turning the weapon on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.
Sgt. Blake was shot during the incident and later died from his injuries.
Sgt. Blake had served with the McComb Police Department for five years and had a total of 16 years in law enforcement, including time with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
He was remembered by Chief Perry as a dedicated officer and a cherished member of the force.
“This is some of the stuff we sign up for. He died doing what he loved,” said Chief Perry.
“He was a big teddy bear — well-loved in the community. It’s just a sad day for all of us.”
McComb Mayor Quordiniah N. Lockley also expressed sorrow over the loss, confirming that two other individuals were shot during the incident — one of whom succumbed to their injuries.
The identities of the other individuals involved have not yet been released, as the investigation remains active.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Chief Perry asked the community to keep Sgt. Blake’s family, friends, and fellow officers in their thoughts.
“Until we figure out the circumstances, just keep us in your prayers,” Chief Perry said.
Sgt. Jason Blake leaves behind a wife and children.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.