Mississippi communities mourn firefighter found dead during standoff

Published 5:38 am Monday, April 8, 2024

Two Mississippi communities are mourning the death of a firefighter who reportedly died during a standoff in Jackson Sunday.

WLBT in Jackson reports that Gerald Bates, 49, who worked as a firefighter for the Jackson and Byram fire departments, was found dead during a wellness check Sunday morning.

Firefighters went to check on Bates at a Ferguson Street residence.

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When they arrived at the house, firefighters found Bates dead, apparently shot in the head.

Authorities also found a woman who was armed and had barricaded herself inside the house.  The suspect was later identified as Tammy Williams, 41.

After an hour, the S.W.A.T unit used tear gas inside the home, forced entry was made, and Williams was taken into custody without incident.

”Please keep the entire Jackson Fire Department and the Bates Family and your thoughts and prayers for the loss of one of their own. RIH, our dear brother,” read a post on a Facebook page dedicated to fallen Jackson firefighters.

Officials say Williams and Bates were living together.