Holly MatkinBrandon, MS – Madison Police Department (MPD) Officer Horren Randy Tyler was murdered in the line of duty on Thursday while trying to apprehend an armed suspect who had taken two women hostage.
Brandon Police Department Chief Wayne Dearman said the incident began at approximately 1:20 a.m. on June 1, when the BPD received a report that a man was attempting to break into a home on Terrapin Hill Road in the Crossgates neighborhood, WLBT reported.
The residence was occupied by two women.
Investigators said the suspect, 22-year-old Gabriel Matthew Wilson, was in a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend at the time of the home invasion, WLBT reported.
The caller told police Wilson “had a bullet-proof vest, handgun, and a rifle,” Chief Dearman said.
One of the women managed to escape after police arrived at the scene, but Wilson barricaded himself inside the home with the second woman for hours, WLBT reported.
Police were able to use drones and other tools to monitor the suspect’s location and condition while he was inside the house.
Chief Dearman said BPD Assistant Chief Marshall Pack negotiated with Wilson over the phone for hours.
The suspect allegedly told Assistant Chief Pack he wanted glue sticks and water, WLBT reported.
Wilson eventually agreed to release the second hostage.
“We did get some compromise from him, and as we gave him what he asked for, she was able to run out,” Chief Dearman confirmed.
The second hostage was not physically injured, WLBT reported.
Wilson still refused to surrender and ultimately exchanged gunfire with police at approximately 6 a.m., according to Chief Dearman.
A BPD officer was shot on the left side of his body during the shootout, leaving him with serious injuries, WGNO reported.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital and was later listed in stable condition, according to WAPT.
“Pafford, Brandon Fire Department were on the scene and able to get him in an ambulance,” Chief Dearman told WLBT. “Without that resource being available to us immediately, we could be facing another loss of life. I’m grateful that we’re not.”
In the meantime, the MPD Special Response Team (SRT) responded to the residence as part of a mutual aid request, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Wilson’s mother also came to the scene to try to convince her son to surrender, WLBT reported.
Chief Dearman said another exchange of gunfire occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Officer Tyler was fatally struck during the shootout, as was the suspect, WLBT reported.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Officer Tyler joined the MPD seven years ago after retiring from his position as chief of the Ridgeland Police Department (RPD), WAPT reported.
He served the RPD for 27 years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
In addition to being a member of the MPD SRT, Officer Tyler was a supervisor in the MPD’s Narcotics Division and also oversaw training for new hires, WLBT reported.
He devoted 34 years of his life to his law enforcement career, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
“Randy will be sorely missed by all of his colleagues, family and friends,” the MPD said in a press release on Thursday. “The Madison Police Department asks for the community’s support and prayers during this difficult time.”
The City of Ridgeland said in a statement that the retired police chief “will not be forgotten,” WGNO reported.
“[Ridgeland] Mayor Gene McGee, Ridgeland Board of Alderman, and City staff send their deepest condolences to his family and are thankful that we were able to have Randy as a part of our City family for all of those years,” the city said.
A fundraising page established to help Officer Tyler’s family in the wake of his murder has raised over $4,800 so far.
Madison Police Officer Randy Tyler sacrificed his life keeping others safe. He is a hero and our state will never forget him.
Today, Mississippi grieves for Officer Tyler, his loved ones, and the rest of the law enforcement community. His courageous sacrifice likely stopped… pic.twitter.com/61pI4q5E3u
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) June 1, 2023
RIP. Mississippi Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler was murdered when he was shot and killed during a standoff that originated from a domestic violence call. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! #rip #murdered #PoliceOfficerHorrenRandyTyler #MadisonPoliceDepartment #hero pic.twitter.com/MeG4leU9M1
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) June 1, 2023
The #FBI sends our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Police Officer Horren “Randy” Tyler. He served with the Madison Police Department in Mississippi and was a law enforcement veteran. Officer Tyler was an FBI National Academy graduate. pic.twitter.com/iKk5SW04gG
— FBI (@FBI) June 2, 2023
Madison Police Department our hearts are with you.
Please keep the family, friends, & colleagues of Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler in your prayers. Officer Tyler was shot & killed during a tactical operation. He served his Department for seven years. Never forget Horren. pic.twitter.com/Imv9RLkAOd
— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) June 2, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Madison Police Department Officer Horren Randy Tyler, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Horren Randy Tyler, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
