Video: Deputy Shooting Suspect Makes Court Appearance

[jwplatform r9k1BNbs]

[jwplatform 7QEG9lgp]

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- “I don’t have that kind of money.”

That’s how 30-year-old Kenneth Coscia reacted when the judge announced his $3 million, 50 thousand bond.

Coscia made his initial court appearance around 11:30 a.m Wednesday. He’s charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of shooting into a dwelling.

According to Lowndes County Sheriff Mike Arledge, Lt. Clint Sims and Lt. Larry Swearingen remain in hospital Wednesday and are expected to make a full recovery. Sheriff Arledge reflected on the shooting that injured two deputies.

“There were several deputies trying to drag the officers that were down away from the gunfire and they were dragging them out trying to get them behind the vehicle at the time it happened,” said Sheriff Arledge.

Arledge says it all started Tuesday afternoon, when a family member called deputies worried about Coscia’s welfare.

“Because of some information that we received we took a lot of precaution. Obviously as you saw, we had about a dozen officers on the scene and also we had an ambulance that was staged. And thank goodness we did have an ambulance and about a dozen officers because that probably saved these officers lives,” said Sheriff Arledge.

Authorities wouldn’t go into detail about the family’s concerns, but because of the danger, law enforcement called for back up as they approached Coscia’s home.

“A couple of officers did go to the door and knock on the door and didn’t get an answer. They believed that he was in there. Then they started backing out and taking more precaution,” said Arledge.

Moments later, gunfire erupted and more law enforcement moved in to help.

“I saw a bunch of officers flying by with sirens and lights,” said Drake Hill Resident Eric David.

“Next thing you know there are shots. And there was hollering and it was just… you just don’t expect it,” said Drake Hill Resident Michelle Robbins.

“We had all kinds of law enforcement help and it was pretty quick for the location that we were in and I just want to thank them for all of their help,” said Sheriff Arledge.

Coscia will remain at the Monroe County Jail until a grand jury meets in August or he makes bond.