Latest news with #HattiesburgPolice
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Hattiesburg police cracking down on violent crimes by young offenders. What is the plan?
A recent spate of youth crimes brought local and state law enforcement officers together to put an end to it. Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims held a news conference Wednesday, July 9, to address the recent rise in teens committing violent crimes. "Recent trends in violence in young people are alarming," Sims said. "We must collectively take a stand to foster an environment where peace, respect and understanding prevail over conflict and aggression." Sims said the trend is not just local — youth crime is on the rise nationwide. Locally, however, Sims wants the Hattiesburg community to know it's being taken seriously and won't be tolerated. "Over the next few days and weeks, we will actively work to change the behavior of our young adults," Sims said. "They will be held responsible for their actions. Additionally, we will strictly enforce our curfew laws and hold those who violate them accountable." Sims added that parents also can be charged for allowing their teens to be out past curfew. He said they will be held accountable along with their children. Curfew for those younger than 18 is 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend alone, one 16-year-old was charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering after an 18-year-old was shot in the leg multiple times on Country Club Road. Another five teens were charged with commercial burglary in a separate incident on Old Highway 11. On Monday, police responded to a shooting on Hardy Street, where three teens were arrested. Two of the teens have been charged in the incident — a 15-year-old was charged as an adult with aggravated assault and a 14-year-old was charged with evidence tampering and accessory after the fact. The victim was able to get away without being injured. The incident remains under investigation. It is unclear whether the third teen will be charged. Last year, four teens were charged with the murder of 21-year-old Southern Miss football player Marcus "MJ" Daniels. Three of the teens pleaded guilty to the murder. A fourth was convicted at trial on June 19. "I want to directly address the youth of our community," Sims said. "Your potential is boundless. The choices you make today will shape not only your lives, but the lives of those around you." Sims said young people must not give in to social pressures to retaliate in responding to situations. He encouraged teens to look for alternatives to resolving conflict instead of resorting to violence. "Violence is never the answer," he said, directly addressing the city's youth. "Choosing a path of aggression will only lead to consequences that can alter the course of your life forever." Sims said the Hattiesburg community has plenty of resources to help young people resolve conflict before it escalates, including youth programs, counseling services and mentorship opportunities. "I implore you to engage with our youth," Sims said, addressing parents and caregivers. "Open lines of communication, foster an environment of trust and be active in their lives. Your guidance and support are invaluable." While Hattiesburg police want to encourage an environment of support and nurturing for the city's young people, Sims said the department also has the responsibility of enforcing the law. "Those who choose to engage in violent behavior will face serious consequences," Sims said. "Our officers are committed to keeping our community safe. We will take all necessary measures to prevent violence from becoming a norm among our youth." Other local and state agencies, including Petal Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff's Office and Mississippi Highway Patrol, are taking similar measures to stem the rise in youth violence across the Pine Belt. "Enough is enough," Sims said. "Let us work hand in hand to create a brighter future for our cities and counties — one where our youth are empowered to make positive choices and pursue their dreams without the shadow of violence." Forrest County Sheriff Charlie Sims said youth violence is increasing at the county level as well. The sheriff is not related to Chief Sims. "Unfortunately, in recent weeks, we've had a threat to (our community) values," the sheriff said. "People have chosen to increase their activity in violent behavior, and that is not what our community is about. "We cannot let crime dictate how we live, where we go, and how we feel safe in our own homes. We can't stand by and watch families be devastated, lives lost and our neighborhoods overcome with crime. This is just not who we are." Although there were no youth crimes recorded over the holiday weekend in Forrest County, the sheriff's deputies assisted Hattiesburg in a number of crimes, including another shooting in which multiple people were injured. No one has yet been charged in connection with that shooting. There are currently 10 juveniles housed in the youth detention center in Forrest County, and another eight charged as adults at the county jail, which Sims said is far too many. "We're going to take decisive action," Charlie Sims said. "Law enforcement agencies around this area are coming together to increase patrols, share information and to have focused operations on those who are out there committing these violent crimes. "We're going to identify them and we're going to arrest them." State and federal agencies are working with local law enforcement to protect people from violent crimes and prosecute those who commit them, Charlie Sims said. "This is about the safety of our families," Sheriff Sims said. "This is a great community full of promise. We've got strong families, and we're rooted in faith. We're not going to let a small group of individuals who choose violence to destroy what a generation has built up here." Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@ Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Violent teens in Hattiesburg, MS: Crime trend prompts police crackdown
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man wanted after fight leads to shooting in Hattiesburg
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – Hattiesburg police are searching for a 61-year-old man in connection to a shooting. The shooting happened near the intersection of E. 9th Street and Dewey Street just before 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Multi-vehicle crash in Hattiesburg leaves one injured Police said two men, who are family members, were involved in a fight that escalated to gunfire. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officers are searching for Michael Shanks, 61, in connection to the case. Investigators said there is no immediate threat to the public. Anyone with information regarding Shanks' whereabouts can contact the Hattiesburg Police Department at 601-544-7900, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS or online at Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
