Jackson Jambalaya

Smile and be happy. Crime happens everyday in Kazeland.

Regular folks with common sense know that tolerating crime is a small price to pay to enjoy all the glory and amenities of our grand Capital City.

And that’s the truth ... sho-nuff.

Dude, Fox 40 is watching you, obviously. Irby, Kroger, McD. Those of us who know, know. They are trying to catch up, it's pretty hollow. Fox 40 is still a joke.

If only we could get that damn arena built then all of these problems would go away.

Jackson is such a waste area with no soul these days. People still living there, get smart, get out of there. I moved my family out of that crime ridden rotten city ten years ago and it was the best decision of my life.

I think before we condemn the city, we should stand up and not play pointing fingers. Folks, Jackson can be the next Atlanta. You can participate or you can bitch. I'll just time it right, because eventually, the strength of the city as a centralized distribution center to the South on a local level is VERY valuable. Lets stir up some ideas. I remember two lakes.

The city is already past condemnation. What do we need to do, deploy a platoon of HCSO deputies at the damn Kroger to protect citizens? JPD sure as hell isn't going to get the job done.

Story sounds fishy as hell to me.

I'll go further, it sounds like another crazy-ass email. 3rd row at that time and no one noticed? 3rd spot and that is "fairly close to the door?" Something ain't adding up. Perhaps I am off, but this doesn't sound right.

You're exactly correct. It doesn't matter where you parked. You just have to get used to crime because that is the beauty about Jackson. Accept that crime is a way of life here and reap all the benefits of living in the big Capital City.

Fox40 spoke to her. Also deputies were heavily patrolling the parking lot today. Something happened and I'm inclined to believe the story. They also have cameras on the parking lot.

The incident HAPPENED at Books-a-Million, NOT Kroger. JPD HAS the gun and IS investigating.

It was NOT as purported in this frantic, soccer mom mass email, that names no "witnesses" or "victims". Call HCSO for details.

No excuses. Bad situation, but not completely factual.

Actually it happened at the parking lot in front of Kroger. If you want to get real technical its in the parking lot in front of the carpet place. The email jibed pretty much with what was reported on two other networks.

The incident HAPPENED at Books-a-Million, NOT Kroger. JPD HAS the gun and IS investigating.

It was NOT as purported in this frantic, soccer mom mass email, that names no "witnesses" or "victims". Call HCSO for details.

No excuses. Bad situation, but not completely factual.

"Accept that crime is a way of life here and reap all the benefits of living in the big Capital City."


High taxes, crappy roads, backed up sewers, water outages, and distinguished city leadership. Hope I didn't miss anything. Oh wait, I forgot its the rainbow foods and McDade's grocery store that make it all worth it.

Was that Uncle Ben on Wade's program yesterday blowing more smoke up Jacktown's arse?

Well, I'll say this - you've got to keep your eyes and ears open these days, and stay alert. If you're walking around texting or yakking on your cell phone you've lost all situational awareness, and are more likely to be a target. Scan your surroundings for threats, look sharp, walk smartly.

Well said, 9:15. And thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking. It dumbfounds me when I see people walking into/out of stores and are just oblivious to their surroundings.

Don't mean to be to the point here, but there is crime everywhere. In every city, town, and state. That's just part of life. We do what we can to be safe and go on with life.

As far as those types of emails (frantic, 'happened to my' friend/neighbor/dog groomer's best friend's uncle...), I toss them when someone is nice enough to spam me. If you do want to look into one of those, pick the phone up, call whoever the local authority is, and ask to confirm. If its ligit, ok. If its not ligit, at least you've given the local authority a heads up on the spam.

I agree with you about the emails and didn't post this until I saw the same info on Fox40, saw the extra police presence, and talked to some people that work in that shopping center.

yup that was Uncle Ben. Jack-town's cheer leader in chief. Kim Wade is a great American ! 5 PM weekdays on 11.80 AM

I can't wait to go to kroger at 9:00 on a Friday night. I will be talking on my phone with my left hand and have my finger on the trigger of the handgun in my pocket with my right hand (yes i have a carry permit). The only problem is I am a 210 lb. male and I douubt the cowards will pick me.

Really hate this for the victim and for Kroger. The management and staff have worked hard to make possible an enjoyable experience everytime I shop there. The chance that it could be ruined on the way back to my car really sickens me.

If you request a criminal activity report from the JPD for the last 20 years for this area, you will find that this exact parking lot is as crime ridden as Wood Street. Plaintiffs lawyers have made millions from settlements from kidnappings, muggings, and rapes which occurred or started on these premises.

Yes, "crime" is everywhere, but I don't remember hearing of people getting mugged at gunpoint at Dogwood during my years living in Flowood, and I have yet to hear any such crimes in Tupelo.

Cities can survive a significant level of criminal activity (ie. Chicago), but a city cannot survive violent crime threatening its tax base. There simply aren't enough residents of Jackson who will put up with such things just because they are too proud to live in Rankin and Madison counties.

The crime is everywhere crowd only wants to misdirect the discussion away from a longstanding problem that has decimated Jackson's tax base and continues to do so.

They live in an ostrich-like world where somehow they believe that crime rates will magically lessen if everyone talks about it less and if the media covers it less.

Now, pissed off that Kingfish posted this story, they cast aspersions on the victim's truthfulness and Kingfish's own reportage by alluding that the story sounds like a hoax.

The crime is everywhere deniers now pass along the safety tip that you shouldn't use your cell phone in the Kroger parking lot. Too bad those ostriches don't understand they are only confirming that Jackson isn't safe.

KF-thanks for checking on the email validity before posting. Didn't mean to imply you didn't, I just hate getting the 'this happened to my xxx' emails.

WJTV added: "suspect tried to force his way into the woman’s car, but she was able to fight back. The woman reportedly kicked the suspect in the face several times and grabbed his gun. The suspect then quickly fled the scene on foot. Authorities haven’t seen him since."

And 11:35, which personal injury law firm do you work with? You hit on the main talking points of every ambulance chaser.

Crime is everywhere. Instead of bitching and moaning, why not look at why the criminals get arrested and are back out on the streets to commit additional crimes. Is there a breakdown in the courts? Is there a breakdown in the prosecution? Is ther a breakdown in the laws? Are the jails so full that they can't put anymore in there? I don't know, but it would be nice to have a discussion on it. There will always be crime. What would be interesting would be figuring out why sometimes it seems one person can get arrested multiple times only to be on the street to commit additional crimes.

The officer who was recently killed while on duty-it was reported that the suspect had been arrested several times.

Instead of bitching and moaning, why not look at why the criminals get arrested and are back out on the streets to commit additional crimes. Is there a breakdown in the courts? Is there a breakdown in the prosecution? Is ther a breakdown in the laws? Are the jails so full that they can't put anymore in there? I don't know, but it would be nice to have a discussion on it.

Then kick if off instead of bitching and moaning about another poster's opinion. Start the discussion instead of working to cut someone else off.

Of course authorities haven't seen the perp since because JPD doesn't actively pursue muggers.

I find someone fighting off with a person with a gun very interesting. I think I would just hand over my wallet/purse and be done with it. Fighting back? Hmmmm.... From the reporting on Fox 40, this woman looked by her hands to be mid to late 40's. She must know kung-fu. If that is the case, way to fight off a mugger.

Wonder what tune the crime apologists would be singing had the lady retrieved a gun from her handbag and blown the guy's head off?

@ 12:08 - not affiliated with any PI firm...but I've seen the data...its scary

Those cameras are a joke. I was followed home by three young black males with guns from the same Kroger lot and I'm 6'1" 235pounds. JPD was useless. Never heard back from them. Just glad to be alive after having a .45 to my temple.

I usually go to Kroger around 11 at night. I like it. Few cars and I can see every single one of them and everyone in that parking lot.

If it wasn't for McMillin's efforts the TV newsers would have enough action at that location to leave their remote vans permanently in the parking lot. JPD is a joke.

Kingfish, My situation happened at around 9PM.

People, your state allows you to pack. LEARN how to use one, get a permit, and protect yourself.

MS Legislature:
Revise your concealed carry permits to require training prior to issue or renewal, then allow unrestricted carry.

It's common sense- be aware of your surroundings and DON'T TALK ON THE DAMN CELL PHONE. It's not like these things just started happening! People are just getting a little bit more dependent on their phones. When you enter or exit a building, be sure you take a look around you. I55 kroger is known for its crime. I don't even shop there anymore- I drive to Madison. I also use Madison's Walmart. It is just the way of life living in Jackson....especially being a woman. Crime is everywhere...around every corner. I hate it because NE Jackson is so convenient to everything, but the crime stinks.

I shop at kroger regularly (3 or 4 times week), and the in effectiveness of the hinds county sheriff dept (because they are the contracted patrol) is due to the types of deputies that patrol there. I think everyone who shops there would agree that the deputy ought to work for kroger as an assistant to the best looking female cashier there...

The older one I see patrolling on a regular basis. I think you mean the one who is featured in the photo above.

yes the one in the photo.

i fear no one.. but to have an attractive wife and a small child shopping or riding in jackson does concern me. especially since the crimes dont happen at night anymore it is usually between 9am-3pm... they are getting jus a lil smarter. i would say 3rd grade level.

You can't have one person doing it all at that Kroger. Too much traffic, too many patrons.

There was an attempted rape earlier in the summer and the sheriff patrol guy was on the premises...inside I do believe. When I used to go, he would be sitting inside..Now THAT is fine patrolling Barney.

The incident HAPPENED at Books-a-Million, NOT Kroger. JPD HAS the gun and IS investigating.

It was NOT as purported in this frantic, soccer mom mass email, that names no "witnesses" or "victims". Call HCSO for details.

No excuses. Bad situation, but not completely factual.

Here comes another of the crime is everywhere crowd now demeaning the victim as a 'frantic soccer mom'.

Cut and run or stay and fight?
I come from folks that stay and fight.
We also realize that when you cut and run,eventually the problems have a way of following you.

Cut and run or stay and fight?
I come from folks that stay and fight.
We also realize that when you cut and run,eventually the problems have a way of following you.

If the somewhere else you are running to is elsewhere in Hinds then yes, the problems will follow you because Hinds, led by Jackson, is plain old f'd up. If to Madison or Rankin, I think not.

Oh no. I gotta go to Books-A-Killin today, who's got my back?

Take a Doberman and a shotgun.

8:32 Life in the 'burbs' changes in time. Criminals eventually follow the money.
Madison " stats" don't include Ridgeland, do they? Do you think it's going to be that hard for criminals to travel from North Park to Renaissance?

Eventually? Way to go out on a limb Einstein.

Less than 10 years...averaging

Ridgeland
in a population of 20,761
3 murders, 1 rape, 21 robberies, 15 aggravated assaults, 831 theft and larceny

Per capita, not looking so hot

Per capita, not looking so hot

Compared to what?

Jackson about 7 times more populous than Ridgeland in the city proper.

DUH...the more people, the more crime

What I'm saying is that the crime stats aren't so different when you report them per capita and report them with the same detail.

There are so many ways to play this ...like by precinct or if you do this by comparable neighborhood income levels .

If you live in a poor neighborhood, your crime rate is higher thann if you live in a gated community.

Your chance of getting murdered in Ridgeland is pretty much the same as getting murdered in Jackson and whoa...the poverty/education level isn't comparable.

Per city-data.com Jackson has 36.1 murders per 100,000 while Ridgeland has 0.0 per 100,000. People in Jackson will say anything to mask how dangerous it is in Jackson.

12:06 are you math challenged? I gave you the crimes and the population. That's not zero per 10000.

When applying statistics, you also account for variables. And, you also accept that 10% of 10000 is less than 10% of 20000. And, you also have to look at the source and how they gathered data to see if it's reliable or comparable.

Comparing , as one person blogged Mayberry with Raleigh is ridiculous.

That an affluent suburb has less crime than a city is always true. We know that because we know what variable affect crime. That some data is gathered in such a way as to attract people and industry is true.

In any city, you should avoid certain high crime areas and be vigilant.


Life has risks. You live in the 'burbs, you increase your risk of a car accident because you're on the road more. You don't have the same fire protection that's why you pay more for fire insurance. I live in a city so I increase my risk of being crime victim. So what?

The sky isn't falling, but these days Chicken Little abound...as well as people who are math challenged. Frankly, the lack of optimism and the constant state of fear generated in this country now has become not only tiresome but counterproductive to those of us who see our glass as half full instead of half empty.

I'm hardly the only person to live all their lives in Jackson without ever once being a crime victim. But, then I live in an affluent area in Jackson and am educated enough to know how to reduce risks so that is not shocking.

What's shocking is the tempest created from this teapot event. It's not like it ended tragically.

The lesson here is be alert and don't let strangers get close enough to you to present a threat. It's not leave Jackson before it's too late! GEEZ...

Pretty well said, 9:06. I've been a victim and I'm not leaving. It's just something that happens. You learn from it, and move on.

One thing that does 'bother' me, guess you could say, as far as city vs 'burbs, is the dang attitudes I encounter running errands in the city. Just me, or, is Jackson full of the worst customer service anywhere? It almost bothers me worse than the crime factor.

Ever notice how nice it is, when you travel, and the people are..pleasant? Nice? And don't act like you've ruined their day just by walking up? Most of Jackson's service industry has got the 'TUDE down pat.. (And don't even get me started on the 'drivers' in Jackson rolling through traffic lights ten seconds after they've turned red.)

Every city has crime, it's the "attitude chip on shoulder I'm entitled" crap that embarrasses me.

What do you expect sGOP when your residents watch Harvey Johnson cop the same type of attitude on television? Your Mayor's sense of entitlement over the bond money has seriously hurt the image of Jackson in the metro.

When bad things like this happen, we shouldn't just get used to the crime, and go on with it. We should be like the lady who fought back. Yes we can try to prevent things, yet they will continue to happen. However one thing that bothers me is that when these things happen its the personal inury law firm that benefits from these things the most.