Ridgeland Shoplifting Suspect Dead

Police said Derrick Watkins had shoplifted DVDs, CDs and clothing from a Walmart and was trying to get away when he rammed two police cars. We’re told the 19-year old then ran into one of the police offices knocking him to the ground. The injured officer fired three shots hitting Watkins once in the shoulder. Police said Watkins kept driving, crossed the median on County Line Road and finally came to a stop . He was pronounced dead at the the hospital.

Tony Hewitt Junior got caught in the aftermath of the officer involved shooting. “I saw the commotion of him going across the median. I was caught in the traffic. Traffic had to be diverted in to the Toys R. Us parking lot,“ said Hewitt. He thought it was a simple car chase coming to an end. “Everybody was trying to see what was going on. I didn’t know he had been shot at the time. I thought he was just fleeing from the scene and lost control,“ he said. Hewitt has no remorse for the shoplifting suspect. “I don’t think there should be any leniency on anybody who does that. Shoplifting is shoplifting. It’s a crime. When someone breaks into your home your allowed to use a gun to protect yourself. why can’t officers use their guns to protect the public,“ said Hewitt.

The police officer that was hit and fired the shots has some injuries to his left leg. He’s on administrative leave until the investigation is finished. He’s worked in Ridgeland for three years. This is the second time this year that he’s been involved in an officer involved shooting. The investigation is being handled by the Madison County District Attorney’s Office.