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JACKSON, Miss. (BFMG) — Jackson Police Chief Josephine Brackney says two people were wounded and three suspects detained after a shootout that erupted Thursday evening on the city’s north side, prompting a large joint response from Jackson Police and Capitol Police.
Brackney, joined by Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey, said officers began receiving multiple 911 calls around 5:10 p.m. reporting “a shootout in progress” in the 1000 block of Northside Drive near 20 North Hill Parkway. Both agencies responded to the area and quickly engaged in a foot pursuit involving three suspects.
“We currently have three individuals detained, and they will be taken down to headquarters for questioning,” Brackney said. She added that two victims are being treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds, and that early reports of a possible third victim were later clarified — there are two confirmed victims and their injuries are not believed to be fatal at this time.
Brackney said the crime scene spans a large area and involves significant property damage. Three vehicles were struck by gunfire, and several apartment units in the complex also appear to have been hit. Investigators are moving through each impacted vehicle and residence to collect shell casings, ballistic evidence and any other physical clues.
“Currently, with the assistance of Capitol Police, we are processing this crime scene because it is a very large crime scene,” Brackney said, noting that officers are also pulling footage from city and private cameras in and around Northside Drive to help piece together what happened and identify any additional suspects or vehicles.
The chief said the three detained individuals appear to be males in their late teens to early 20s, though exact ages have not been confirmed. Preliminary video evidence indicates the suspects were “heavily armed with long rifles,” she said.
Asked whether the incident was gang‑related or a targeted attack, Brackney said it is “too early in the investigation” to make that determination. However, she noted that investigators believe the individuals involved were familiar with the area and that this was not a random location chosen without prior connection.
“We do understand and feel that they were familiar with this area, and that this wasn’t just a random spot,” she said.
Brackney acknowledged ongoing concerns about gun violence in Jackson and said her frustration is rooted in the fear and harm experienced by residents.
“My frustration level is not for me, it’s for this community, who are oftentimes the victims,” she said. “Bullets have no names, and that’s why people are fearful.”
The chief urged residents to know that police are increasing their presence on the streets through quick response teams and citywide operations focused on violent crime.
“We are here, we are present, we’re putting more resources into the streets, less people behind the desk, so that we can respond to gun violence,” she said, citing Operation Unified, which runs nightly, and recent efforts that removed 17 weapons from the streets over the July 1–5 period.
Brackney said investigators are still determining whether the shooting involved two groups exchanging fire or one group ambushing another, and that those details will come as the case develops.
She closed the briefing by thanking the public and the media, stressing that officers needed to return to processing the scene and interviews. She promised additional updates through official releases as more information becomes available.
