TWO JPD OFFICERS PASS BY DEADLY WRECK WITHOUT STOPPING

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Two Jackson Police officers passed the scene of a deadly crash shortly after it occurred over the weekend and did not render aid, the police chief says.

At 5 a.m. Saturday, Jackson Police Department Precinct 1 officers responded to the crash at Cooper Road and Suncrest Drive.

A red Cadillac SUV was traveling south on Suncrest Drive when it left the road, crashed into a tree at the corner of Suncrest Drive and Cooper Road, and caught fire.

According to JPD, the vehicle’s driver, Tina Carter Sawyer, 35, died during the accident.

But, according to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, two Jackson Police Precinct 1 officers passed the scene of the accident “shortly” after it happened but did not stop or render aid.

Wade says he questions the officers’ actions, “but, more importantly, their inactions during this situation.”

Following a JPD Internal Affairs investigation, the officers were placed on administrative leave for questionable action and inaction.

According to JPD, the case will be turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, and the findings will be handed over to the Mississippi Attorney Generals' Office.