Patrolman Thomas Drumane Catchings

Thomas Drumane Catchings

Patrolman Thomas Catchings was shot and killed by a carjacking suspect on South Drive after a short vehicle pursuit.

Patrolman Catchings was returning home following a motorcycle training course, when he was flagged down by a citizen who had just been carjacked at the intersection of Robinson Road and Pecan Park Circle.

The officer, who was not wearing a vest at the time, spotted the vehicle and called for backup. The vehicle sped away as he attempted to pull it over. After a short pursuit, the driver crashed the vehicle into a ditch. As the 18-year-old driver crawled out of the vehicle he immediately opened fire, striking Patrolman Catchings in the upper body. Despite being wounded, Patrolman Catchings returned fire, killing the suspect.

He was transported to University Medical Center where he succumbed to the wounds two hours later.

Patrolman Catchings had served with the Jackson Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife, who also works for the Jackson Police Department, and six children.

In January 2006, the man who sold the stolen gun to the suspect was convicted and sentenced to serve 16 months in federal prison.