Deputy Sheriff Bruce Wayne Evans

Bruce Wayne Evans

Deputy Sheriff Bruce Evans was killed after being struck by a vehicle being pursued by other officers on State Route 613.

He and his partner had setup a roadblock when they were notified that the pursuit was about to enter their county. The suspect vehicle came to a stop approximately one and half miles from the roadblock, and Deputy Evans was notified the pursuit was over. The officers began to drive to where the pursuit had ended when shots were fired and the suspects fled again. Deputy Evans stopped on the shoulder and the officers took cover behind his vehicle.

More shots were fired approximately 200 yards from Deputy Evans' location. The suspect vehicle exited the roadway and collided into the cruiser at 85 mph as Deputy Evans and his partner tried to move out of the way. He was pinned beneath his cruiser as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect and another occupant of the vehicle received minor injuries in the collision and were arrested. The 25-year-old driver was charged with capital murder and aggravated assault on a police officer. He was convicted and sentenced to life without parole.

Deputy Evans had served in law enforcement for seven years and had served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.