Officer Injured during Shoplifting Arrest

COLUMBUS, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE)- A Columbus police officer was treated and released for back injuries Monday night, August 28, that occurred when he was arresting a local man for shoplifting at Love’s Truck Stop.

The officer received help from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Columbus Police Chief Oscar Lewis who were in the area and assisted.

The incident occurred near 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Love’s Truck Stop.

The C.P.D. officer was handcuffing Timothy Lamont Leech, of Columbus, when a scuffle began at the officer’s patrol car.

The officer was able to get Leech into the back of the patrol car while calling for help. A sheriff’s deputy arrived followed by Chief Lewis.

Leech was placed under arrest for the shoplifting charge, resisting arrest and a hold from the Mississippi Department of Corrections because he was out on parole/probation.

Leech is currently in custody at the Lowndes County Detention Center. The officer returned to work, but will not be identified.