Juvenile Arrested for Making Terrorist Threats

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On October 11, 2019, the Gulfport Police Department arrested a fourteen year old juvenile for Terroristic Threats.  The juvenile attended Bayou View Middle School in the Gulfport School District.

The arrest is a result of information received from within the school that alleged the student was planning to shoot other students.  Due to the quick availability of information and the investigative actions by both the Gulfport School District and the Gulfport Police Department, the suspect juvenile was taken into custody and it was found that the suspect did not have the immediate means to carry out the threat.

This case was referred to the Harrison County Youth Court.

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On September 25, 2019, at approximately 1:11 am, the Gulfport Police Department responded to the 14000 block of O’Neal Road to investigate a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a male subject suffering from gunshot wounds. Inside of the residence, officers located a deceased female who had also been shot.

Initial investigation revealed that the two subjects were acquaintances and had become involved in an altercation. The male subject was transported to an area hospital where his current condition is unknown. No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Gulfport Police Department 228-868-5959 or, you can remain anonymous and contact Crimestoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com or calling 1-877-787-5898.

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Gulfport Police Department

September 23, 2019               

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Gulfport Police Department will Participate in “Operation Clear Track,” the Single Largest Railroad Safety Detail in the U.S

Violators will receive citations or warnings

On Tuesday, September 24 during Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 22-28, the Gulfport Police Department, the Amtrak Police Department, Operation Lifesaver and, Kansas City Southern Railroad, will participate in “Operation Clear Track,” along with more than 600 law enforcement agencies nationwide. The goal is to raise awareness and enforce state railroad grade crossing and trespassing laws. The 3^rd annual rail safety detail, carried out in 48 states, is the single largest rail safety law enforcement initiative in the U.S.

During “Operation Clear Track,” Gulfport Police personnel will be stationed at targeted railroad grade crossing locations to issue citations or warnings to violators. Officials will also disseminate railroad safety cards to motorists and pedestrians. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatalities around railroad tracks through increased public awareness and enforcement.

WHAT:                         “Operation Clear Track” Police enforcement/education event to be held in 48 states at railroad grade crossings that have a high number of vehicle and/or trespasser incidents or near misses.

WHERE/WHEN:        (17^th Street and Pass Road rail crossings the morning of Tuesday September 24^th between 1000-1100 hours)

WHY:                               Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. “Operation Clear Track” is an effort by law enforcement, Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak and rail safety partner organizations to raise awareness of the dangers around railroad tracks during Rail Safety Week, which is being observed in the U.S. September 22-28, 2019.

MORE INFO:                Visit Operation Lifesaver’s national website for safety tips and statistics oli.org or contact STAYOFFTHETRACKS.ORG for more information on “Operation Clear Track.”

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The Gulfport Police Department arrested 17-year-old Yakira Caffrey of Gulfport and charged her with one count of second-degree murder.

The arrest stems from an investigation that was conducted when a medical complaint was received in reference to a three-month-old that was not breathing. The child was brought to an area hospital and then later transported to a hospital in the New Orleans area where the child later died as a result of the injuries. An extensive investigation was conducted by the Gulfport Police Department Criminal Investigation Unit with assistance from the Aubrey Hepburn Care Center Forensics Team and Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office which it was determined that Caffrey was responsible for the child’s injuries that ultimately resulted in the child’s death. Caffrey is the mother of the child. Caffrey was arrested without incident and transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center, where she was incarcerated in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bond set by Harrison County Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.

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Every day on our nation’s roadways, law enforcement put their lives at risk to protect the public—especially out on the road. Four officers were hit while working crashes in less than a week on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. One of the most dangerous parts of an officer’s job is stepping out on the side of the road, whether it is to assist a motorist, for a traffic stop, or to investigate a crash. From 2007-2017, of the 1,641 officers killed in the line of duty, more than one-third (39%) of those were killed in traffic-related incidents. In an effort to protect those who protect us, every state has “Move Over” laws, requiring drivers to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

Chief Papania stressed the meaning behind the awareness campaign. “Many drivers seem to think that moving over is an optional courtesy when they see law enforcement or emergency vehicles on the side of the road. It’s not, Slow down and Move Over. It’s the Law.” 

In an effort to combat an increase in traffic collisions, aggressive driving, speeding, and enforcement of the Move Over Law the Gulfport Police Department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement on Interstate 10 over the coming weeks.

Violators who fail to slow down or move over can be fined up to $250 and up to $1,000 if there is damage to the official vehicle or injury to any driver or passenger of a vehicle under Mississippi Code of 1972 Section 63-3-809. 

Emergency personnel can only do so much to keep themselves safe when they pull over on the side of the road. The rest of the responsibility falls on other motorists. Next time you see those flashing lights on the side of the road, Move Over. It’s the Law.

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The Gulfport Police Department is showing their support for the upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The department has outfitted two of their patrol vehicles in pink to raise awareness to breast cancer. The vehicles have pink decals and a pink ribbon on the hoods which is a prominent symbol throughout the world for Breast Cancer Awareness. From now through the month of October, you can have the vehicles visit your event, organization or business by calling the Community Relations Office at 228-868-5703.

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On August 28, 2019, the Gulfport Police arrested 24 year old Craig Lee Lott of Gulfport charging him with one count of Drive-by Shooting. Investigation revealed that on August 17, 2019, at approximately 11: 00 am, Lott discharged a firearm from the vehicle he was operating, into the victims vehicle in the area of Cowan Road and East Pass Road. With the public’s assistance, Lott was developed as the suspect. On August 28, 2019, Lott turned himself in on the outstanding warrant.

Craig Lee Lott was processed and transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility with a bond set at $250,000.00. If you have any information about this or any other crime, contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com or by telephone at (877)787-5898. You can remain anonymous. For the latest information, follow us on Twitter and Facebook @GulfportPolice.

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The Gulfport Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 24 year old Craig Lee Lott of Gulfport. Lott has an active arrest warrant for the charge of Drive-by Shooting. Investigation revealed that on August 17, 2019, at approximately 11: 00 am, Lott discharged a firearm from the vehicle he was operating, into the victims vehicle in the area of Cowan Road and East Pass Road. With the assistance of witnesses in the area, Lott was developed as the suspect. Lott is described as a black male, 5’04” approximately 115 pounds.

Lott should be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Craig Lee Lott is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com or by telephone at (877)787-5898. You can remain anonymous. For the latest information, follow us on Twitter and Facebook @GulfportPolice.

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On August 5, 2019, the Gulfport Police arrested Adisa Jemel Braziel charging him with one count of Murder. The arrest stemmed from an incident where on August 4, 2019, at approximately 10:53 am, the Gulfport Police responded to the 3300 block of 39th Avenue to investigate a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 26 year old black male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased on scene. The suspect, later identified as Adisa Jemel Braziel, fled the scene prior to officers arrival.

On August 5, 2019, Braziel travelled to the Gulfport Police Department where he turned himself in on the Murder Warrant. Braziel was later transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility with a bond set at $1,000,000 set by Justice Court Judge Melvin Ray.

Anyone with information about this or any other crime should contact the Gulfport Police Department 228-868-5959 or, you can remain anonymous and contact Crimestoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com or calling 1-877-787-5898.

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On August 2, 2019, at approximately 10:53 am, the Gulfport Police responded to the 3300 block of 39th Avenue to investigate a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 26 year old black male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased on scene.

The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arrival. The suspect is identified as Adisa Jemel Braziel, 33 year old black male of Gulfport. Braziel has an arrest warrant for the charge of Murder. Braziel should be considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.

Also wanted in connection with this murder is 23 year old Alexis Kiremia Longino. Longino is wanted for QUESTIONING ONLY. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Braziel or Longino should contact the Gulfport Police Department 228-868-5959 or, you can remain anonymous and contact Crimestoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com or calling 1-877-787-5898.

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On August 1, 2019, at approximately 4:08 P.M., Gulfport Police and Fire responded to the 13000 block of River Road to investigate a possible drowning. Upon arrival, rescue personnel learned that there were three male juveniles that had gone under and not resurfaced.

Rescue Divers with the Gulfport Fire Department, Harrison County Fire Services and the Mississippi Mortuary Response Team, entered the waters of the Biloxi River and recovered the bodies of two juveniles around 6:00 PM. The third juvenile was recovered around 7:25 PM. Several agencies, to include the Biloxi Police Department, Mississippi Marine Patrol and The Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, responded to the river to aid in the recovery. The incident is being investigated as accidental.

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On Saturday July 27, 2019, the Gulfport Police Department arrested Wanted Fugitive, Tekoney Oronte Treyvon Blackledge of Katy Texas, in the 3100 block of 8th Avenue Gulfport. Blackledge was identified as a suspect in the killing of a 62 year old female in Houston Texas on July 16, 2019. Blackledge fled the area and was believed to have traveled to the City of Gulfport. At approximately 1:38 pm, July 27, 2019. Gulfport Police Officer’s traveled to an apartment complex, in the 3100 block of 8th Avenue, to conduct a follow-up investigation into the whereabouts of murder suspect Tekoney Blackledge. Blackledge was located inside an apartment within the complex and was taken into custody without incident.

If you have any information about this crime or any other crime, please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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The investigation into the armed robbery which occurred on July 3, 2019, at the Up in Smoke store located in the 2900 block of 25th Avenue, has led to arrest warrants for 39 year old Kelly Wayne Akins of Houston Texas and 32 year old Katrina Johnson of Grand Bay Alabama. On July 3, 2019 at approximately 2:33 P.M., Akins entered the Up in Smoke business and produced a handgun while demanding money. Akins departed the business on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Akins had committed robberies in other jurisdictions to include the City of D’iberville, the City of Lucedale and Mobile County Alabama. Detectives and Investigators from each of these agencies worked together to identify a vehicle that was observed in the area during the time of the robberies. On July 8, 2019, the Lucedale Police Department located the vehicle and its driver identified as Katrina Johnson. Johnson was arrested and charged with Accessory to Robbery in the Lucedale incident. Akins was later taken into custody by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Department for the charge of Armed Robbery.

The Police Departments of Gulfport, D’iberville, Lucedale, Mobile Alabama and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, worked together to bring Kelly Wayne Akins and Katrina Johnson into custody.

If you have any information about this crime or any other crime, please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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On June 27, 2019, the Gulfport Police arrested 29 year old, Tony Alexander Williams of Gulfport, charging him with Armed Robbery and First Degree Murder. The arrest is the result of extensive investigation into the murder of Delfred Lewis which occurred on May 8, 2019, in the 600 block of 25th Street.

On May 8, 2019, at approximately 2:53 PM, officers responded to the 600 block of 25th Street to investigate a firearm discharge complaint. Upon arrival, officers located the body of Delfred Lewis suffering from a gunshot wound. Lewis was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. During the course of the investigation, Williams was developed as a suspect.

On June 27, 2019, Tony Alexander Williams was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshall Service where he was later transported to the Gulfport Police Department for processing. Williams was charged with Armed Robbery and First Degree Murder in the death of Delfred Lewis. Williams is currently being held in the Harrison County Adult Detention Center with a 1.5 million dollar bond set by Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.

If you have any information about this crime please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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Gulfport Police are investigating an accident with a fatality involving a pedestrian. On June 14, 2019 at approximately 1:14 a.m., the Gulfport Police Department responded to 12400 block of Highway 49 to investigate a vehicle versus pedestrian accident.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim, a 39 year old female of Gulfport, was attempting to cross Highway 49 when she was struck by a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu that was travelling southbound on Highway 49. The victim was pronounced dead on scene. The driver of the Malibu was not cited and is cooperating with the investigation.

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The Gulfport Police arrested 20 year old Breanna McClendon of Hattiesburg charging her with one count of Second Degree Murder. The arrest stemmed from an investigation which began in the City of Hattiesburg.

The initial investigation revealed that McClendon and the victim were together when they arrived at the Circle K gas station located at 13490 Highway 49  during the early morning hours of June 9, 2019 in Gulfport. An altercation occurred at which time McClendon shot the victim. McClendon then drove the victim to Hattiesburg where he was later taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

The Gulfport Police Department is seeking to identify a witness who arrived at the store and assisted getting the victim back into the vehicle, not knowing the victim had been shot. That person is being asked to contact the Gulfport Police Department 228-868-5959.

The Gulfport Police Department would like to thank the Hattiesburg Police Department for their assistance in this joint investigation which resulted in the arrest of Breanna McClendon.

McClendon is being held in the Harrison County Adult Detention Center with a bond set at $500,000 by Justice Court Judge Melvin Ray.

If you have any information about this crime please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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On June 6, 2019, the Gulfport Police Department arrested and charged 32 year old Damian Ladell Brown of Gulfport with Aggravated Assault and Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling. The arrest stemmed from an incident which occurred on June 5, 2019, at approximately 9:26 pm in the 3100 block of 8th Avenue. Investigation revealed that Brown travelled to an apartment complex where his ex-girlfriend lived and discharged a firearm into an apartment and a vehicle on the property.

Brown was developed as a suspect and it was learned that Brown was a Wanted Fugitive through the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Detectives travelled to Brown’s residence in the 2100 block 21st Street where Brown refused to exit the residence. Brown barricaded himself inside of his residence for several hours before surrendering to authorities. Brown is being held in the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility with a Bond of $200,000 set by Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information, please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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The Gulfport Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the subject in the photo. This subject is being sought for questioning in relation to an attempted armed robbery which occurred on May 11, 2019, in the 3300 block of West Beach Boulevard. The subject is described as a black male, bald and medium build.

If you have any information as to the identity and/or whereabouts of this individual, please call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or contact Crimestoppers at (877)787-5898 www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.

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Gulfport Police are investigating an accident with a fatality involving a pedestrian. On June 1, 2019 at approximately 6:08 p.m., the Gulfport Police Department responded to Highway 49 near Russell Boulevard to investigate a vehicle versus pedestrian accident.

Initial investigation revealed that a 27 year old male was riding a bicycle and attempted to cross Highway 49 when he was struck by a 2012 Dodge Charger that was travelling southbound on Highway 49. The pedestrian, a Gulfport residence, was pronounced dead on scene.

The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The driver of the Charger is cooperating with the investigation.

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Gulfport Police are investigating a single vehicle accident which claimed the life of a 37 year old male of Gulfport. On May 28, 2019, at approximately 2:27 am, Gulfport Police responded to 9600 block of Cuandet Road to investigate a vehicle submerged in water with the occupants still inside.

Initial investigation revealed that a 2000 Chrysler Sedan was travelling on Cuandet Road near Washington Avenue when it left the roadway landing upside down in a ditch filled with water. Rescue personnel arrived on scene and removed the driver who was pronounced dead on scene. The passenger was transported to a local hospital where their current condition is unknown.

Anyone with information in regards to this accident is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959.