Federal agency investigates blaze at Mississippi police HQ
Federal authorities are assisting in the investigation of a fire that damaged the Senatobia Police Department headquarters early Saturday morning. The cause of the fire, which occurred at approximately 4:58 a.m., remains unknown, and investigators are working to determine if it was intentionally set. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is collaborating with local agencies on the probe.
The Senatobia Fire Department responded to reports of smoke within the building and quickly extinguished the blaze. Details regarding the extent of the damage have not been released.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the police department following a series of controversies. In June, a police officer fatally shot 1-year-old Kohen Wiley during an investigation of a shoplifting incident at a Walmart. The child was in a vehicle with his mother and a friend, who sustained serious injuries.
Community outrage has been directed at the department since the shooting. The police chief was terminated in September after reports surfaced alleging the use of racist language in private text messages. The officer involved in the shooting resigned earlier this month, despite being cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi Attorney General’s office.
Senatobia, Mississippi, is located approximately 40 miles south of Memphis.
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“Federal officials investigate fire at beleaguered police department in Mississippi”
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