A fire ripped through the headquarters of a Mississippi police department Saturday, months after the agency faced intense public scrutiny over the fatal shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. Authorities controversially concluded that the officer’s use of force was justified.
The blaze began at the Senatobia Police Department headquarters, about 40 miles south of Memphis, at roughly 4:30 a.m. Firefighters quickly brought it under control.
Although the building sustained damage, the department said police services have continued without interruption.
The Senatobia Police Department drew widespread criticism in June after an officer shot and killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley while responding to a reported shoplifting incident at a Walmart.
Police suspected the child’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, and her friend, Latoya Ferrell, of taking diapers and baby clothing from the store.
According to officers, they attempted to stop the vehicle after the driver allegedly steered toward them. An officer then opened fire, killing the toddler.
Kohen’s mother was not injured, while Ferrell suffered serious injuries.
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Relatives rejected claims that the two women stole the diapers, and neither has been charged.
The officer who fired the shot resigned earlier this month. However, the state Attorney General’s Office had cleared him of criminal wrongdoing after an investigation concluded that his use of force was justified.
In September, Police Chief Harold Vanderford was fired after reports emerged that he had used racist slurs in private text messages.
The cause of Saturday’s fire remains unknown. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating alongside local agencies.
“We want to assure the public that this incident is being taken extremely seriously,” interim Chief LaMorris Hampton said in a statement Saturday night.
“Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, certain details cannot be released at this time,” the statement continued.
“We understand the concerns this incident may raise within our community and want to reassure our citizens that we remain dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.”
With Post wires.