The shooting took place Sunday at a Walmart in Senatobia, a city about 40 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. Officers responded to a shoplifting call, and as they tried to stop a vehicle leaving the store, the driver drove toward them and nearly struck an officer, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the inquiry. An officer then shot at the vehicle, which drove away after being struck.
Inside the car were Kohen Wiley, his mother, and her friend. The mother was physically unharmed, but her friend suffered serious injuries, said Marquell Bridges, president of the Building Bridges Coalition, a community advocacy group that is helping the family find legal representation. The two women drove to a hospital, where Kohen was pronounced dead.
Carlos Haynes, the child’s grandfather, described Kohen as a happy baby. “Someone ended it all before it could even start,” Haynes said.
The Senatobia Police Department did not respond to inquiries from the Associated Press. In a Facebook post, the department wrote: “As the investigation progresses and facts are verified, we will share as much information as possible.” The Tate County sheriff’s office, which also was present at the scene, declined to comment.
Walmart said in a statement: “We’re saddened by what took place at our Senatobia, MS, store.” The company added that it is working with law enforcement during the investigation.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is continuing its probe. No further details about the officer involved have been released.