Jackson Police Officer Thomas Catchings has been killed in the line of duty. Officer Thomas Catchings was on his way home Thursday afternoon when he tried to help a carjacking victim. He and the 18-year-old carjacking suspect died in a shootout on South Drive.

Officer Catchings was fired on almost immediately. Catchings was on his way home from a motorcycle training exercise and was not wearing a bullet resistant vest. He was flagged down by a postal employee who had been carjacked at gunpoint at a convince store at Robinson Road and Pecan Park Circle. Officer Catchings spotted the vehicle, called for backup, and tried to stop the driver ,18-year-old Omar Hampton. Hampton lost control of the Ford Mustang, and wound up in a ditch. He crawled through a window and opened fire on Catchings who was hit in the upper torso. Officer Catchings returned fire hitting Hampton multiple times. The teenager was pronounced dead on arrival at University Medical Center.

Officer catchings was born in 1964. He leaves behind a wife and three young children. His wife works in the Jackson Police Identification Unit.	Hampton

Jackson police officers show their grief after Thursday's shootout left a JPD officer dead.	Assistant Chief T. Daryl Smith hugs reserve officer Mattie Brown after hearing officer Thomas Catchings had died.
Ambulance workers prepare to head to the hospital Thursday after officer Thomas Catchings and carjacking suspect Omar Hampton exchanged gunfire at the intersection of South and Lindsey drives in Jackson.	Detective Ford Hayman (right) consoles officer Reginald Liggins outside the emergency room at UMC.
Curious residents gather to watch as law enforcement officers investigate a gun battle between Jackson police officer Thomas Catchings and carjacking suspect Omar Hampton, 18, of 5551 Shaw Road.	At the William Louis Skinner Training Academy on Friday morning, Jackson Police Detective Tony Davis lowers the flag to half-staff in honor of slain JPD officer Thomas Catchings. Greg Jenson /The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson, Miss., Fire Chief Raymond McNulty, left, Police Chief Robert Moore, Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., second from right; and city administrator Otha Burton, right; lead a procession of law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel into Thalia Mara Hall.
	Jackson Police Officers Richard Polk, left, and Marqus Fisher, right, and other members of the Jackson Police Department Motorcycle Unit carry the casket of Jackson Police Officer Thomas Catchings out of Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson, Miss.,
Agency Information: Jackson Police Department PO Box 17 Jackson, MS 39205 Phone: 601-960-1217

Thomas was always a great joy to talk to...always a smile on his face and one to always try and find the good in people. He will be greatly missed, every time I see a Motor, I will forever think of Thomas! He will be greatly missed.

Rob Lehman, MS
rob@jacksontraffic.com

10/23/2006
12:12 AM



Hey, Thomas was just like an uncle to me. He always you to come over my house sit and talk with my cousin, and most of all taught me some things I will never forget. I have a close relationship with the three younger kids and they are just like my coursing. I always will keep Yolanda and the kids in my prayers. I love you all with all of my heart.

Mortion
Terrol (T.J.) McElroy, MS
terrolmcelroy@yahoo.com


Date: 06/07/2005
Time: 01:07 AM


Brother, you left this world doing what you did best: helping your fellow man. I pray God comforts you in his bosom and give you rest.

Police Officer, Herman Horton
Jackson Police Department, MS
herman.horton@us.army.mil

Date: 04/27/2005
Time: 03:34 PM



I new him very well he was like a second dad for me. he new my mom my mom new his wife he taught me right from wrong. So I just want his wife to keep her head up because he's watching you from heaven

Dontellis Bullock, MS

Date: 04/05/2005
Time: 03:20 PM


May your family find peace and strength.  I know how it feels to lose a family member in the line of duty.  My prayers are with you.  They will be blessed for all that they did for us while they were here and now they can all watch over us.

Lauren, LA
summer8219@hotmail.com



My Deepest condolences go out to the family of patrol man Thomas Catchings, I have been deeply touch just by knowing that a wife and three children will have to go on through life without that special love one, because of one person who decided to commit a crime without thinking or ignoring the consequences of his acts, may you rest in peace and may your soul be watching over your family. God Bless you all Catchings family, Sincerely,

God Bless all the men and women who put their lives on line so that everyone else can enjoy theirs.

Puerto Rico PD
Gilbert Rios
gilbertgear@yahoo.com

Date: 03/19/2005
Time: 01:30 PM


Your job on earth is done and you are safely in God's hands. You are now our guardian angel who watches over us in heaven. Your family and fellow officers are in our prayers. God bless.

Beverly "Jake" Smith, Retired Reserve Officer
Gainesville Police Dept. FL
smithbc@ci.gainesville.fl.us



Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu



Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer and his Department and family. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.