Video: City Leaders Stress Unity, Patience As Officer Involved Shooting Is Investigated

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – As the investigation into the officer-involved shooting death of Antwun Shumpert continues, Tupelo leaders ask residents to let the justice system take its course.

“The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will conduct a thorough and complete investigation of the traffic stop, the chase and the use of force,” said Mayor Jason Shelton.

Tupelo police say about 10 Saturday evening an officer tried to pull over a a vehicle driven by Shumpert.

Investigators say Shumpert ran and was found hiding under a house. At some point, investigators say Shumpert jumped the officer and a K9. Both officers were injured.

That’s when the unidentified officer shot the 37 year-old.

Tupelo’s NAACP President wants residents to wait on the facts before deciding what they think happened.

“What we need to do now is come together and let the police department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol , whoever is investigating this, let them do their job.  And once they do their job and if we don’t feel like the outcome was fair and done fairly, that’s when the NAACP, whatever we have to do for this young man’s rights and for his family, we are willing to do it,” said Rev. Chris Traylor, president of the NAACP.

Law enforcement say Shumpert had an outstanding warrant from Texas.

TPD says a passenger in Shumpert’s car surrendered peacefully to officers when the vehicle was stopped at Van Buren and Harrison Streets.

The passenger was not arrested.

City leaders say residents still must work with police.

“That is worth mentioning, when you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, cooperation is always best,” Mayor Shelton said.

The injured officer is on administrative leave.

“We do believe the use of force was justified by the police officer,” the mayor said.

As in all officer involved shootings, once MBI completes its investigation the findings will be presented to a grand jury.

The next Lee County grand jury will be convene in September.