Jackson Free Press

Three Pearl police officers were shot, leaving one dead and two injured, while they served a search warrant in building 25 of Colony Park Apartments Tuesday. Investigator Michael T. "Mike" Walter died at 11:56 a.m. at University of Mississippi Medical Center from gunshot wounds.

Investigator Dave McCarley, who was shot in the hand and leg, and Investigator Shaun Terwilliger, who was injured but not shot, were in good condition at UMMC at the time of Walter's death. According to the Pearl Police Department, McCarley is expected to make a full recovery, but he will likely require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

The investigators were executing a search warrant in an attempt to find Carnell Gaines for arrest or questioning in regards to a report of sexual abuse Pearl Police received Tuesday morning, Lt. Butch Townsend told the Jackson Free Press this afternoon. Police found Gaines in the apartment, and the shootout ensued. Gaines was also killed on the scene.

Walter was the first Pearl Police officer killed in the line of duty since the town was incorporated in 1973.

"Today, we are saddened beyond words that we have lost one of our state's finest," Attorney General Jim Hood said in a statement. "We mourn this loss with our fellow law enforcement officers, and we pray for Detective Walter's family, friends and co-workers. Heaven is welcoming a hero today."

Walter left behind his wife, Jeanne, and his 11-year-old daughter, Bailey. Pearl Police hired him as a patrol officer in February 2009, and he rose to the position of investigator in October 2010.

"He was really, genuinely a good guy," Townsend said. "We've never lost an officer in the line of duty until today. Damn today."

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting

Previous Comments

ID

167669

Comment

According to an update from UMMC yesterday evening, Dave McCauley's condition was good, and Shawn Terwilliger had been treated and released.

Author

lizwaibel

Date

2012-05-02T09:00:54-06:00