On the night of April 1, 2026, Jackson County Deputy Sheriff Michael Leroy Jimerson, a 61-year-old male, was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty. The incident unfolded around 11:00 p.m. at the Reserve at Gulf Hills Apartments located on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Deputy Jimerson, along with other deputies, was responding to a disturbance call at the apartment complex.
Upon their arrival, a woman fled the scene, prompting Deputy Jimerson to pursue her.
During the foot chase, the female suspect produced a firearm and opened fire on the deputy. Deputy Jimerson returned fire, and in the ensuing exchange of gunfire, both he and the suspect were struck.
Deputy Jimerson was immediately transported to Ocean Springs Hospital for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries. The female suspect died at the scene of the shooting. Deputy Jimerson was a dedicated public servant with 16 years of service to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren.
