UPDATED WITH PHOTO — Search continues for Dec. 28 shooting suspect
January 03, 2025
Wesley Hickingbottom, Jr.
By Paul Keane
Franklin Advocate
Officials are still searching for a suspect wanted in a Dec. 28 shooting
that left one man wounded.
that left one man wounded.
According to Bude Police Chief Reginald "Reggie" Cain, a verbal
altercation at a family gathering on Dec. 28 led to a later shooting.
The eventual victim left the gathering on Second Street and drove home.
altercation at a family gathering on Dec. 28 led to a later shooting.
The eventual victim left the gathering on Second Street and drove home.
While at home, the suspect --- identified as Wesley Hickingbottom, Jr.
--- drove by and shot the victim in the back with a shotgun. The victim
was transported to the hospital and treated.
--- drove by and shot the victim in the back with a shotgun. The victim
was transported to the hospital and treated.
According to Cain, Hickingbottom was already wanted by the Mississippi
Department of Corrections (MDOC) after breaking off an ankle bracelet
that was monitoring his location. U.S. Marshals were being called to the
area to assist in the search.
Department of Corrections (MDOC) after breaking off an ankle bracelet
that was monitoring his location. U.S. Marshals were being called to the
area to assist in the search.
"He has family in the Brookhaven area and is believed to still be in
this area," Cain said. "He is also considered to be armed and dangerous.
He's been in prison once and probably doesn't want to go back."
this area," Cain said. "He is also considered to be armed and dangerous.
He's been in prison once and probably doesn't want to go back."
Anyone with information on Hickingbottom's whereabouts --- or for anyone
who comes in contact with him --- is urged to call 9-1-1 or
601-384-2323. Everyone is urged to simply call and not try to encounter
the suspect.
who comes in contact with him --- is urged to call 9-1-1 or
601-384-2323. Everyone is urged to simply call and not try to encounter
the suspect.
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