A police officer in Mississippi has been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley. The incident occurred during a response to a shoplifting call outside a Walmart in Senatobia. Officials confirmed the officer’s leave on Tuesday night.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation released details about the incident, stating it happened on Sunday when Wiley was in a vehicle with his mother and her friend. As the police attempted to stop the car, the driver advanced towards the officers, nearly hitting one. This prompted an officer to open fire on the vehicle, which then fled the scene. The two women later drove to a hospital where Kohen was declared dead.
The officer involved in the shooting has not been identified. However, placing an officer on administrative leave is a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. The city of Senatobia addressed the matter publicly, announcing at a Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting that the officer involved was on leave as the investigation continues.
Protests have ensued following the incident, with demonstrators gathering again outside the Walmart on Tuesday night. Action News 5 reported that law enforcement had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wiley family, issued a statement condemning the actions of the police. He described the incident as a tragic loss of an innocent life, highlighting that Kohen’s mother was attempting to signal to officers about her child’s presence in the vehicle.
The Senatobia Police Department assured the public of their commitment to transparency in their investigation. They pledged to share verified information as the inquiry progresses.
This situation is developing, and additional updates will be provided as new information emerges.