Capitol police officers placed on leave following Jackson shooting

Capitol Police officers involved in a Sunday night fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of an investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, a spokesperson for the MBI confirmed Thursday.

Capitol Police officers allegedly shot Jaylen Lewis, 25, of Jackson to death after a routine traffic stop on E. Mayes Street at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday, according to the MBI.

The Sunday incident is the fifth Capitol Police officer-involved shooting since July 1.

When the Capitol Police officers pulled Lewis over, they noticed he had prior injuries, an MBI official said.

MBI officials would not say how many officers were involved, citing internal investigations, but that all of the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave until such time as the internal investigation is complete, and they are approved to return to active service.

MBI also would not release names of the Capitol Police officers involved, citing the investigation.

Sean Tindell, Mississippi public safety commissioner, released a statement Monday following the incident.

“An internal investigation in this incident is underway and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting its own independent inquiry and will present its findings to the Attorney General’s office,” Tindell said. “Such incidents require a thorough investigation, scrutiny, and transparency.

“Therefore, any releasable information regarding this incident will be made public by the Department of Public Safety at the appropriate time.”