While five suspects from last Thursday afternoon’s drive-by shooting and manhunt that followed remained at large as of Monday morning, the danger to residents has diminished, according to McComb Police Chief Juan Cloy.
“While the chase ended in Summit, the McComb Police Department is currently investigating the incident since the actual crime took place within our city limits,” Cloy said. “But, as far as any danger to our local citizens, they should not be concerned. Any threat is over.
“We have no current updates or new information to provide on possible motives and are still investigating the case.”
Two people were injured at the Twin Pines II apartments in the shooting on Thursday, fleeing the scene in a stolen black Ford Fusion, which led McComb and Summit police, along with Pike County sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement agencies into Summit in pursuit, where the five suspects ran into some woods.
The car was recovered, Cloy said, and the shooting victims were released from the hospital that same day.
“One victim was shot in the rear end and the other sustained a flesh wound on his knee,” said Cloy, who would not reveal their names.
Summit Police Chief Alex Miller said that while his department is deploying double patrol shifts and that he is also working extra shifts, these are all just precautionary measures put in place to enhance police presence.
“That said, the people here in Summit should not fear for their safety. I’ve been in law enforcement a long time and, unfortunately, suspects often get away,” Miller said.
A Summit couple that was caught up in the beginnings of the manhunt said they witnessed law enforcement circling their home with guns drawn Thursday afternoon.
“My wife and I had just pulled into our driveway, which is a dead end, about 3:30 that afternoon after picking up our grandkids. The first thing I saw was an officer with his gun walking around my house. He then went to his patrol car and got out a rifle. It was a hectic situation, for sure,” said the resident of Pecan Street, where the suspects ditched the stolen car.
After about 10 minutes, the witness was able to communicate with the estimated 10 officers on the scene. He said the lawmen told him the suspects were probably long gone by this point.
The man said that he has not been concerned about his family’s safety since the incident took place.
“We’re OK, thank goodness, and not worried about it at all right now,” he said.
