Breaking: Name of MBN Agent Killed In Tishomingo County Released

Lee Tartt
Source: Mississippi Department of Public Safety

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) –  The Mississippi Department of Pubic Safety released the name of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent that was killed in a Tishomingo County standoff early Saturday morning.

This is a press release from DPS: “Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent Lee Tartt, 44, was killed in the line of duty this morning in Tishomingo County. Tartt was a 22-year law enforcement veteran and had been with MBN since September 2000. He was the 2011 MBN Agent of the Year and received the H. Lane Caldwell Award of Valor in 2012. He is survived by his wife and two children.”

DPS says three other law enforcement were also injured in the incident.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol SWAT team , MBI, MBN and Tishomingo County deputies were working the standoff outside a home, southeast of Iuka, near the Alabama state line on Friday night.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation tells us a man there had a weapon, and a wife and child inside the residence . The suspect had agreed to release the hostages but as he was exiting the home he opened fire.

The unidentified suspect was also killed in the exchange .

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant released a statement Saturday morning about the agent’s death.

“JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant comments on the death of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent killed Friday night in Tishomingo County, Miss.

“Our men and women in law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way every hour of every shift.  This is a tragic reminder that their willingness to serve can exact the highest price.  Deborah and I ask all Mississippians to join us in praying for the family of the fallen officer.  May God hold him in the hollow of His hand.”

WCBI will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.