Mississippi Police HQ damaged by fire amid scrutiny over fatal shooting

The department stated that despite the damage, operations are continuing without disruption.

The Senatobia Police Department has been under considerable criticism since June, when an officer fatally shot Kohen Wiley during an investigation of a shoplifting incident at a Walmart. Authorities determined the shooting was a justified use of force, a conclusion disputed by the child’s family.

The shooting occurred after officers attempted to stop a vehicle allegedly driven by Vellesiya Wiley, the boy’s mother, and carrying her friend, Latoya Ferrell. Police allege the driver moved toward officers, prompting the officer to fire, resulting in the toddler’s death. Ferrell sustained serious injuries, while Wiley was unharmed.

No charges have been filed against Wiley or Ferrell, and family members have denied allegations of theft.

The officer involved in the shooting resigned earlier this month, following a probe by the state’s Attorney General’s office that cleared him of criminal wrongdoing.

In September, Police Chief Harold Vanderford was terminated after reports surfaced of him using racist slurs in text messages.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with local agencies.

“We want to assure the public that this incident is being taken extremely seriously,” Interim Police Chief LaMorris Hampton said in a statement. “Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, certain details cannot be released at this time. We understand the concerns this incident may raise within our community and want to reassure our citizens that we remain dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.”