A tragic officer-involved shooting outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi, on Sunday afternoon left a young child dead and another person critically injured, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at the Walmart located on U.S. 51, where officers from the Senatobia Police Department and deputies with the Tate County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shoplifting call.
According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement officers arrived and encountered two adults and a child who were allegedly leaving the store and entering a vehicle. Authorities said officers attempted to stop the vehicle as it was leaving the parking lot.
Investigators stated that the driver then drove in the direction of officers and nearly struck one of them. In response, an officer fired a weapon at the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and instead left the scene.
Child Pronounced Dead After Vehicle Reaches Hospital
Following the shooting, the vehicle traveled to a nearby hospital. Authorities said a child who had been inside the vehicle was pronounced dead after arriving at the medical facility. Another occupant suffered critical injuries and was receiving treatment.
No law enforcement officers involved in the incident suffered serious physical injuries, according to investigators.
Family members who spoke with local media identified the child as a one-year-old. Relatives also said the child’s aunt was driving the vehicle at the time of the shooting and was transported to Regional One Health in Memphis with critical injuries.
They further claimed that the child’s mother was seated in the front passenger seat holding the child when the gunfire occurred.
The identities of those involved have not been officially released by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
State Investigators Continue Reviewing Circumstances
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and is continuing to gather evidence surrounding the shooting. Officials described the information released so far as preliminary and noted that details could change as the investigation progresses.
Once agents complete their investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office for review.
The shooting reportedly happened shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday. Crime scene investigators were seen at both the Walmart parking lot and the local hospital, where the vehicle arrived following the incident.
Senatobia police said the area remained safe for the public, but portions of the scene were temporarily closed while investigators processed evidence.
In a public statement, the department said it is committed to transparency and plans to share verified information as the investigation moves forward.
The incident has drawn significant public attention and prompted calls from family members for answers regarding the circumstances that led to the death of the child.
As investigators continue their work, officials have not announced whether any charges will be filed or whether additional information about those involved will be released.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has urged the public to allow investigators time to complete a thorough review before conclusions are reached. The case remains under active investigation.
