Jackson Jambalaya

Ridgeland PD issued the following statement.

Monday, January 25, 2016 approximately 1:10 pm, Ridgeland PD officers were dispatched to 732 Lake Harbour Drive (Renasant Bank) related to a physical altercation in the parking lot of this business. Officers arrived on scene and separated the two parties. The victim and several witnesses provided statements which indicated the primary aggressor, identified as the boyfriend of the victim, had struggled with her in the parking lot. During the struggle, the victim sustained an injury to her lip which drew a minimal amount of blood.

Officers determined the suspect, identified as Brady L. Hightower (46 yoa, B/M) was wearing a Jackson Police Department uniform and was struggling with his girlfriend over possession of a vehicle when she was injured. Upon receiving a statement from the victim, she indicated to the officers she wished to file criminal charges against Hightower. Due to the injuries sustained by the victim, statement of events from victim and witnesses, as well as the victims desire to pursue criminal charges. Brady Hightower was taken into custody by Ridgeland Police Officers.

Hightower was transported to the Ridgeland Police Department where he was booked and processed on one count of Simple Assault Domestic Violence. After processing, Hightower was transported to the Madison County Detention Center where he was held until his initial appearance before a Ridgeland Municipal Court Judge. This hearing was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, where bond was set in the amount of $5000.00 as well as a No Contact Order issued to Hightower to not have any contact with the victim until final court disposition. A trial date has been set in Ridgeland Municipal Court for Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm.

The victim refused medical treatment and provided statements to officers at the Ridgeland Police Department.

Kingfish note: Law enforcement sources say Hightower was given the choice of resigning or being fired. It is not known if he was giving the option of honorably resigning for the good of the service. What can be said is that he is no longer employed by JPD.

The charge of simple assault domestic violence allows the state to prosecute the case without the victim's consent.