CORINTH, Miss. — The man who shot a Corinth Police Officer is still on the loose, even with an army of investigators on the case and a hefty reward.
Officer Kevin Parker, Junior was shot twice Wednesday morning in a Corinth neighborhood while on a prowler call.
His bullet proof vest saved his life.
Community leaders have added to the reward fund in hopes of getting the man responsible locked up.
The shooting has taken top priority for Chief Ralph Dance who believed the suspect poses a real threat to the community.
“We do not like, or need to let people walk around on our streets that are willing to shoot police officers,” he said.
Chief Dance was hopeful a boost in reward money would lead to the arrest of the man responsible for shooting Police Officer Parker.
Thursday morning Corinth’s Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to match the $5,000 reward already posted by U.S. Marshals.
“So we’ve matched that amount to five thousand. And then our State Representative Nick Baine has also pledged five hundred dollars and we’re going to match that. So, the fifty-five hundred dollars already matched by our match will make that eleven thousand dollars at this point And we hope to see more, ” said Chip Wood, Ward 3 Corinth Alderman.
Officer Parker was responding to a prowler call along Bell School Road when a man ran in front of his patrol car.
The Officer reportedly told the man to stop and there was a struggle.
The suspect was able to get his hand on Parker’s gun while the Officer was still holding it and turned it toward the officer, shooting him twice.
The Officer is alive thanks to his bullet proof vest and has been hospitalized in Tupelo.
Chief Dance visited with Parker Wednesday morning and was encouraged by his progress.
“He’s in good spirits, he’s doing good. He’s still in a lot of pain, a lot of soreness and hoping he might get out today or tomorrow. But he’s coming along real good,” said Corinth Police Chief Dance.
Police were given a vague description of the man and believed he may live in the area of the shooting.
Chief Dance said investigators have been following up on all tips, but he’s frustrated no one has come forward with solid information.
“It’s a little spooky because we still have someone out there that’s willing to attack an Officer and try to take his weapon away from him. So it’s concerning that we may encounter him again,” he said.
You’re urged to contact Corinth Police, the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department or the Mississippi Bureau of Information if you know where the suspect is.
