Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Pascagoula Ingalls Shipbuilding identified as Tahj Johnson
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Authorities have identified the victim in Friday morning’s fatal workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, an employee of the Pascagoula shipyard.
According to Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, the shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on August 22, 2025, aboard a vessel that was under construction at the facility. Johnson was fatally shot during the incident, which prompted an immediate lockdown of the shipyard.
The suspected gunman, identified as 25-year-old Curtis James Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Police confirmed that both Johnson and James were Ingalls employees.
Chief Scott stated that investigators believe the incident may have stemmed from an earlier altercation between the two men earlier in the week.
The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
No additional injuries were reported.
An Ingalls Shipbuilding spokesperson confirmed that an “active shooter” situation was declared and all personnel were instructed to shelter in place until the scene was secured.
Employees were later released from duty for the remainder of the day, with pay. Grief counseling services are being made available to staff.
Law enforcement agencies from across Jackson County responded to assist Pascagoula Police in securing the shipyard.
Officials asked the public to avoid the area while first responders worked to contain the situation.
While rumors have circulated regarding possible related incidents outside the shipyard, police have not confirmed any connection beyond the workplace shooting.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a primary supplier of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
Pascagoula, the seat of Jackson County, has a population of approximately 22,000 residents.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.