Jackson police investigate officer-involved shooting; no injuries reported

UPDATE — Jackson police confirm the suspect has been captured in Crockett County.

They say at this time their investigation has found that no one was injured and no property was damaged.

Original story:

JACKSON, Tenn. — Police are investigating after an officer fired his gun while responding to a reported shoplifter outside Wal-Mart in north Jackson.

Police crime tape sectioned off a part of the Cheddar’s parking lot Tuesday afternoon as officers worked the scene.

“At approximately 12:10 today, officers of the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to a shoplifting call at 2196 Emporium Drive, which is Wal-Mart,” Jackson Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Derick Tisdale said.

Police say within minutes an officer spotted the shoplifting suspect and his vehicle in the parking lot of nearby Cheddar’s restaurant.

“Somewhere during the course of the investigation a shot was fired, but the shot was fired by one of our officers,” Lt. Tisdale said.

Investigators say the unnamed officer fired a single shot, but they’re not saying if he was shooting at the suspect or the suspect’s car or if it was an accident.

Officers said after the shot was fired, the shoplifting suspect took off but the officer did not chase him. For now the involved officer is off the streets.

“Part of the Jackson Police Departments policy, anytime an officer is involved in a shooting like that, they will be put on paid administrative leave pending the investigation,” Lt. Tisdale said.

According to police, no one was hurt and no vehicles or property were damaged.