Friday, June 10, 12 noon UPDATE: Police report Dante Marquez Bender was captured about 10:30 a.m. in Ackerman after an extensive manhunt. Bender is accused of shooting Meridian police officer Kennis Croom and Bender’s fiancee, Brittany Jones.
At a news conference, Meridian police chief Deborah Young called the shooting “tragic and senseless,” as reported by WTOK.com.
Friday, June 10, 6:45 a.m. UPDATE: The officer who was fatally shot Thursday in Meridian was identified as Officer Kennis Croom. An unidentified pregnant female victim was also shot and died in an incident that took place in the 2400 block of 51st Avenue in Meridian, according to media reports.
The search for the suspect, identified as Dante Marquez Bender, is continuing.
ORIGINAL POST:
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Thursday night issued what it calls a “Blue Alert” in the search for a man being sought in the death of a Meridian police officer.
The following was posted on social media about the search for Dante Marquez Bender:
MBI Twitter postDante Marquez Bender
The officer was not immediately identified and reaction to the officer-involved shooting was swift from the law enforcement community.
Mayor Ken Adams, Chief Don Gammage, and the entire Olive Branch Police Department are praying for the Meridian Police Department and the family and friends of their fallen officer. pic.twitter.com/NeNaeKJbzO
Bob Bakken is the most recognized and most trusted name in DeSoto County news and sports reporting, as readers continue to express their appreciation for his accuracy and fairness in the stories he writes. Bob is also heard on 95.3 The Rebel twice a week with sports updates and high school football play-by-play broadcasts in the fall. A former newspaper editor and writer, his award-winning background also includes television news producing, sports media relations, and radio broadcasting.
