An officer-involved shooting that killed 19-year-old Amarion Thomas Wednesday in a neighborhood on Bazinsky Road has been taken over by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) this week, while Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) continues to work a related case involving a now-jailed 17-year-old suspect.

Thursday, Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones said the genesis of Wednesday’s shooting was a call about attempted automobile burglaries in late November on Commerce Street. 

“I want to address the community regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred recently, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life,” Jones said. “I understand that emotions are high, and questions are being raised. It’s important to clarify what happened and assure you that the facts are being handled with transparency and integrity. On November 29, 2024, officers responded to a call about suspicious individuals who were burglarizing vehicles. Upon arriving, one of our officers was fired upon, with bullets striking the patrol car. This unprovoked attack escalated the situation, leading officers to pursue the suspects on foot. During the investigation, evidence was recovered linking the individuals to the assault on a police officer. As a result, warrants were issued.”

Jones said that information led officers to a home on Bazinsky Road, where VPD was attempting to serve a warrant prior to Wednesday’s shooting.

“Later, (officers) were able to get some evidence to identify the people that were involved,” Jones said. “We were later able to make an arrest on one particular subject, who is 17 years old, and he had his initial (court) appearance today in county court. We went yesterday to execute a warrant on the other subject, who was involved. Once the officers arrived, a gun was displayed and officers took action, and unfortunately, it ended in that person’s life being ended.”

Jones said the 17-year-old suspect has been identified as Artrial Bingham. While Bingham’s charges have not yet been released, Jones said he is being identified by name due to being charged as an adult.

In the hours following Wednesday’s shooting, the case was turned over to MBI, per state protocol. 

Thursday, both Jones and Police Commissioner and Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said city officials’ thoughts are with the families of both the suspect and the officer involved in Wednesday’s shooting.

“While the incident remains under active investigation, we can confirm that the officer involved was not physically harmed,” Flaggs said. “Tragically, the individual involved in this incident lost their life. Our thoughts are with all those impacted, including the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life, as well as our officer and their family. As is standard procedure, an outside agency, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, has been brought in to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. This ensures that the process remains transparent and that all facts are evaluated fairly.”

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the young man who lost his life,” Jones said Thursday. “No loss of life is taken lightly, and we recognize the pain his family is feeling. At the same time, prayers for the officers at our agency.”

Jones also acknowledged threats toward VPD officers that have been made – predominantly online – in the 24 hours following Wednesday’s shooting.

“We understand emotions run high during difficult incidents, but spreading misinformation on social media without knowing the facts can have serious consequences. Speculating or sharing false information not only fuels confusion but also puts people at risk of harm or legal trouble. We urge everyone to be responsible and allow the facts to come out through proper channels.”