Authorities in Mississippi are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a police officer in the parking lot of the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center in Biloxi. The man, who was seen wearing a red beanie, blue shorts, and black shirt, walked up to Officer Robert McKeithen on Sunday (May 5) night and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. McKeithen was rushed to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
"It's a very sad day for the City of Biloxi. A 24-year veteran for our department Robert McKeithen - and there's no easy way to say this - was murdered last night right here in our parking lot," said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. "Robert was an unbelievably fine policeman. He did a great job; took care of the citizens of Biloxi for almost 24 years."
Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for the unidentified shooter and are offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to his arrest. They released photos of the suspect taken from surveillance cameras inside the police station. Officials say they do not know why the shooter targeted McKeithen and are trying to determine his motive.
"The animal that did this is still on the run. and we're going to do everything within our power to bring him to justice for Robert and his family and for the men and women in the police department and for the citizens of Biloxi," Chief Miller told reporters.