Suspect identified in kidnapping, hostage incident that ended with deputy shot in head

The suspect has been identified as Edgar James Egbert of Canton. He is facing multiple charges including six counts of attempted murder of law enforcement officers, one count of kidnapping and one count of felony fleeing.

Authorities say the caller said a man had been abducted and tied up inside a home in the 100 block of Lelias Drive. When officers arrived, the suspect left the scene and led them on a chase travelling westbound on Highway 16. Due to public safety concerns, stop sticks were put down to end the chase.

After the suspect wrecked his vehicle in a ditch on Avondale Road and Highway 16, he began shooting at officers. He was shot when officers returned fire before being able to take him into custody.

According to Canton Mayor William Truly, a Madison County deputy was shot in the head and transported for treatment. A second deputy was injured, but it’s not clear at this point if he was shot or if the injury came from broken glass when the vehicle was shot.

The deputy who was shot in the head remains in critical condition and will need additional surgeries. The condition of the second deputy and suspect remains unknown at this time.

Governor Phil Bryant tweeted about the situation, sending his prayers to the officers who were injured.

There was a heavy police presence on scene throughout the morning, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Canton Public School District released a statement on their Facebook page saying that as a safety precaution, three schools were placed on lock-down while police were searching for the suspect. The lock-down was lifted after the suspect was captured.

It’s confirmed that police have part of the area blocked off.

This is a developing story and we will update it as more information becomes available.