The last three violent incidents in Vicksburg involved out of towners

Vicksburg has had three violent crimes in the last three days, and all three involved people from out of town.

The three incidents are: the two folks from Clinton who came to Vicksburg to buy a car they saw online, the violent robbery at Michel’s Music, and today’s shooting at Walmart.

The man from Leland who bludgeoned 87-year-old Timmie Fedell at Michel’s Music also broke the front glass at Divine Donuts on Clay Street later in the day. Why he chose to come to Vicksburg is unknown, but he will be remembered for a very long time for the attack on the beloved Mrs. Fedell.

Today’s shooting at Walmart was most likely a domestic dispute and the shooter was from Tallulah. Why they got into an argument at Walmart and why she chose to shoot her gun there with hundreds of witnesses and cameras everywhere is beyond me.

To their credit, the Vicksburg Police Department and the highly trained crew at 911 worked together to organize the response to the shooting. The skill of Leonce Young in the position of watch commander ensured that in unison with the information provided by 911, all the many aspects of the shooting were managed and policed. The victim was quickly transported and the shooter was quickly arrested. They also almost caught a random person wanted on outstanding warrants.

Leonce Young (with permission)

Last summer we had a couple of incidents where people were fleeing from other counties and tried to pass through Warren County on I-20. That turned out to be a mistake. In both cases, the Vicksburg Police and the Warren County Sheriff Office were able to stop the vehicles and end their crime spree.

It is easy to get down and become negative about crime in America and how it is impacting our little town. We cannot stop people from doing stupid things, even if it involves a gun.

But let’s count our blessings too. We have a police department with highly trained officers and Investigators who put their all into catching the people who choose to come to Vicksburg and commit crimes. We also have a Sheriff’s Office known far and wide for stopping criminals who choose to come to our little town.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, Feb 19, 2022. Photo by David Day

We’re never going to stop crime. Never, it’s not going to happen. The best we can hope for is a law enforcement team that is committed to keeping you as safe as they can in these historic times.

Count your blessings, Vicksburg. Also, the next time you see one of our law enforcement people, take a second and tell them “Thank You” for doing an impossible job.

They’re people too, a little encouragement never hurt anyone.