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Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement:
On Friday evening, May 15, 2020 Rankin County K-9 Deputy Tony Shack and his partner ‘Voodoo” were working a criminal interdiction detail when he attempted to make a traffic stop on Interstate 20 on a Nissan Altima bearing Florida license plates for a traffic violation. The suspect, Lee Anthony Corentin evaded the stop and began to actively flee the deputy in the vehicle. Deputy Shack pursued the vehicle through Rankin County and into Scott County where he was assisted by other local agencies. The suspect exited the interstate near Lake, struck Deputy Shack’s vehicle and then got back on Interstate 20 westbound. The suspect continued westbound back into Scott County. Rankin County Deputies were able to deploy “stop sticks” just west of the City of Forest. The spikes disabled a front tire on the vehicle and slowed the suspect down. The suspect then crossed the median in his vehicle and entered the eastbound side of the interstate in oncoming traffic before driving off the shoulder and down in to a ditch. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Deputy Shack followed the suspect across the median and stopped on the shoulder of the east bound lane. Deputy Shack was getting out of his vehicle to deploy “Voodoo” to apprehend the suspect. Before Deputy Shack was able to release his K-9 an oncoming vehicle struck Deputy Shacks vehicle knocking it into the deputy. Deputy Shack sustained numerous injuries. A Rankin County Paramedic Deputy began immediate treatment of Deputy Shack’s wounds. Deputy Shack was transported by ambulance to University Medical Center in Jackson escorted by Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, and Pelahatchie Officers along with Rankin County Deputies.
K-9 Deputy “Voodoo” was visibly shaken up by the incident and was immediately cared for by other Rankin County K-9 Officers. “Voodoo” is recovering at a sheriff’s office facility and is being monitored by deputies.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol responded in force and is investigating the accident.
Deputies from Scott and Rankin County and the City of Forest were able to quickly apprehend the suspect in a wooded area nearby. Lee Anthony Corentin was transported to the Rankin County Jail and was booked on the charges of Felony Fleeing and Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer. Lee Anthony Corentin will go before Rankin County Court Judge Kent McDaniel for an initial appearance. Corentin will be presented to a Rankin County Grand Jury by Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett.
We are so thankful God placed a protective hand around Deputy Shack and Voodoo and protected them from more serious injuries. We are so thankful for the safety of all officers involved last night. Thank you to all the agencies in our law enforcement family that responded last night. It is such a good feeling to know that when you call for help, an army of blue shows up!
Please pray for a speedy recovery for Deputy Shack and comfort for “Voodoo” while he is separated from his handler.
More on the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department
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