Vicksburg man breaks in house; shot by homeowner

Published 1:59 pm Thursday, June 17, 2021

A Vicksburg man who broke into a house in the 900 block of Hillcrest Street at approximately 11:10 a.m. Thursday morning was shot after the homeowner caught him inside.

Vicksburg police spokesman Lt. Johnnie Edwards said the man was being treated for his wounds at Merit Health River Region. Edwards said he suffered one single gunshot wound to the forearm and did not have life threatening injuries. His name has not been released because he has not been officially charged in the case. Edwards said he would be charged with burglary once he is released from the hospital.

Based on accounts of the incident, he said, the homeowner will not be charged based on the castle doctrine.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

Edwards said the homeowner came home, found the man inside and attempted to hold him at gunpoint until police arrived. When the man made a “threatening” gesture toward the homeowner, she shot him, wounding him in the arm.

The man left the house through a window and ran to the nearby River City Rescue Mission, 3705 Washington St., where he was later taken into custody by police.

Edwards said officers do not know if the man was staying at the mission. The case remains under investigation.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

email author More by John