Gunfire locks down school, startles residents
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The sound of gunfire Thursday afternoon put a local high school on lock down and sent people running. The shots reported right across the street from Jackson Central-Merry High School and just down the street from Lane College. It all happened around 2 p.m. right before school was letting out. Students had to stay put for about an hour while officers combed the scene. Parents said they are happy with the way things were handled. “We can’t control the entire city, but they did a great job protecting our children and everything,” Kisha Hudson said. According to Jackson Police, no one was injured in the gunfire, but the identity of the gunman is still unknown. “A few witnesses said they heard the gunshots,” Lt. Mike Landreth said. “But they also reported that they didn’t see anyone firing the shots.” Lt. Landreth said the only victim in the incident was a 56 year-old man who ran when he heard the shots. “He had tried to cross Lane Ave. and ran right into the side of a moving vehicle,” Lt. Landreth said. As a precaution JCM was put on lock down while officers secured the area. “As long as the kids are safe and things are away from the school,” Kisha Hudson said. “The officers have it on lock down, they did everything they needed to do.” According to Jackson Police, shootings have happened around this area in the past but the manager of a nearby business said it is been quiet recently. “We’ve been here a long time and everything has been safe and good,” Tony Mohsan said. “But today, I don’t get what’s going on.” Residents say this is not the only area where there’s been problems. “It’s all over,” Hudson said. “You just can’t centralize it to one part of town.” Jackson police have not released a description of a suspect in this incident. If you have any information that may be able to help call Jackson Police or Crime Stoppers at (731) 424-TIPS.
