UPDATE #5: Both suspects are in custody.
UPDATE #4: WDAM is reporting that 19-year-old Zykerian Quentavius Magee has turned himself in and is no longer considered a suspect.
UPDATE #3:
COVINGTON COUNTY — Authorities have issued a Blue Alert and launched a multi-agency manhunt after a Covington County sheriff’s deputy was shot Monday afternoon when suspects opened fire on law enforcement officers following a vehicle pursuit.
According to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a blue SUV at approximately 2:45 p.m. The vehicle refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit.
The chase ended when the SUV became stuck. Investigators said the driver exited the vehicle with his hands raised, but additional occupants then got out and began firing at deputies on scene.
One deputy was struck by gunfire and was undergoing surgery Monday evening. Authorities have not released the deputy’s condition.
The suspects fled on foot, prompting an extensive search involving law enforcement agencies from across the region.
Investigators initially identified one suspect as Cortavon Hobbs. A Blue Alert later issued by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation identified a second suspect as 19-year-old Zykerian Quentavius Magee.
According to the alert, Magee is described as a Black male standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds. He was last seen on foot around 3:38 p.m. near the 200 block of South Bluff Street in Mount Olive wearing a black hoodie and gray pants.
Hobbs was last seen wearing a camouflage hoodie and black pants.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about Hobbs, Magee, or their whereabouts to contact the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation at 855-642-5378, or call 911.
Officials warned residents not to approach either suspect and to immediately notify law enforcement if they are seen.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
Jones County Sheriff’s Department deputies, investigators, and narcotics agents are on the scene assisting with the manhunt.
UPDATE: We have confirmed that the suspect, Cortavian Hobbs, is the brother of Cordarius Hobbs, who was arrested after an hours-long standoff and shootout with police. Cordarius Hobbs is accused of shooting an elderly couple in their home last week.
We are working to gather more details on this developing story.
