McComb police Sgt. Jason Blake was off duty and answering a call for help when he was fatally shot at a Pike County residence Tuesday afternoon in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide, officials said.
The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. at a residence off Highway 44 near the intersection of Cole Thomas Road.
Sheriff Wally Jones said Clay Paulk shot Blake and Nicki Wilson with a shotgun before shooting himself with a handgun.
Blake and Paulk were pronounced dead at the scene.
Wilson was wounded in the shooting and a sheriff’s deputy took her to Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Clay Paulk, who had a previous relationship with Nicki Wilson, forced entry into the home before shooting Jason Blake and Nicki Wilson with a shotgun,” Jones said.
A motive remains unclear, Jones said.
Paulk’s vehicle was recovered near the scene, the sheriff said.
“This police officer exemplified the highest idea of law enforcement, courage, dedication and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” McComb Mayor Quordiniah Lockley said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time. The city of McComb Police Department has lost not only a valuable colleague, but a true guardian of our community.
“We will ensure that this officer’s sacrifices will never be forgotten, and his family receive our full support. I asked that our community join with me in honoring this police officer's memory and supporting our police department as they continue their vital work, protecting and serving our community.”
Blake had been with the department for five years and had previously worked with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.
Blake’s wife Rhea said her husband was always quick to help someone in need and died doing just that.
“My husband was killed yesterday helping someone in a domestic violence situation,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “He gave his life while off duty because someone called and needed help. He never cared what it looked like as long as he was doing the right thing. He considered it the highest of honors to lay down his life for others.”
She said Blake’s demeanor was blunt, but he had a softer side as well, playing basketball with kids while patrolling the city, as he died in a recent video tat went viral, rescuing cats and helping people fix cars on his day off.
“He put everyone above himself. He is one of the best people I’ve ever known,” she wrote. “I always knew if he was given the choice he would die protecting someone. I guess God gave him that choice and honored his wishes. I just wish it wasn’t so soon.”
She said he watched YouTube videos of other police in his off time to learn how to become a better officer.
And he cared about the people with whom he interacted, she said.
“He wanted to reach the kids of McComb so they could learn a better way of handling life,” she wrote.
And was devoted to his family.
“He was a family man. The old school kind. The ones that went to work, came home, and wanted his family,” she wrote. “He wanted to spend time with me and all of his kids. He sacrificed every day.
“He was a man, not a boy playing at being one.”
Last year, city officials recognized Blake and fellow McComb officer Joey Roberts for their response to a shooting and rendering aid until the victim could be transported to the hospital.
Earlier this year, Blake was off duty when came to the aid of Jones on Highway 44, not far from where Tuesday’s shooting occurred, when a man allegedly attacked Jones during a traffic stop.
The shooting occurred three days prior to the anniversary of the shooting that killed Summit Police Officer Troy Floyd.
