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TIPPAH COUNTY, Miss. — Investigators are searching for clues after an off-duty Mississippi trooper was killed early Sunday.
Mississippi state troopers and local law enforcement agencies responded to the scene near the Tippah County-Alcorn County line at 12:45 a.m.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Trooper Kenneth "Josh" Smith. This has been a tragic weekend for law enforcement and our state with the deaths of three officers to the very violence they are sworn to protect against. Our deepest condolences to the families of these heroes. pic.twitter.com/AiyGigpOKa
— MS DPS (@MissDPS) September 30, 2018
Officers arrived at the scene to find two people suffering from gunshot wounds, authorities said.
The victims were identified as Rickie Dale Vick, 38, from Michigan City and off-duty Trooper Kenneth Joshlin "Josh" Smith, 32, from Walnut.
Smith was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
Vick was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Investigators have identified the suspect as Troy Anthony Eaton, 43, from Rienzi. He eventually surrendered to law enforcement around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, authorities said.
State, local and federal authorities assisted with the search for Eaton, officers said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, their families and the patrolman who was killed last night. #thinblueline pic.twitter.com/ibblDOVfLA
— Hattiesburg PD (@HattiesburgPD) September 30, 2018
The ongoing investigation is now being handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Cox Media Group
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