TRIGG COUNTY, Ky. — A high-speed pursuit on Interstate 24 ended in tragedy Wednesday morning, leaving a 21-year-old man dead and a Trigg County Sheriff’s deputy injured. The incident, which involved a confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect, is now under investigation by the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
The chain of events began when KSP troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling eastbound near the 42-mile marker on I-24. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Jermaine Terrell Jackson, refused to pull over and fled at a high speed. The pursuit continued into Trigg County, where deputies from the Trigg County Sheriff’s Office joined the chase.
The vehicle eventually crashed near the 65-mile marker, prompting Jackson to exit the car and attempt to flee on foot. During the foot pursuit, Jackson fired at law enforcement officers, striking Trigg County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach White. In response, three officers from multiple agencies discharged their firearms, hitting Jackson. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy White was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. No additional injuries were reported during the incident.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading up to the pursuit or the confrontation.
The incident has left the Trigg County community and law enforcement agencies grappling with the aftermath of a violent encounter. The injury to Deputy White underscores the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty, while the death of Jermaine Terrell Jackson raises questions about the events that led to the fatal confrontation.
As the investigation continues, KSP is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-speed pursuits and the critical need for de-escalation and safety in law enforcement operations.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The community is rallying around Deputy White, wishing him a full recovery, while also reflecting on the broader implications of the incident.