Following a chase, a 22-year-old Mississippi man was arrested early Saturday morning after he allegedly shot an officer.
Lamar County Deputy Steve Pazos was shot in the back during the pursuit of a carjacking suspect around 7 p.m. after he got out of his vehicle, WDAM-TV reported.
The officer was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released, the department said in a statement posted on Facebook.
MISSISSIPPI POLICE OFFICERS KILLED RESPONDING TO WELFARE CHECK AT MOTEL, SHOOTER ALSO DIED, COPS SAY
Troy Prenell Johnson, 22, was arrested hours after the shooting and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer.
(Lamar County Sheriff’s Department)
“He was at the hospital with the officer and his family and he was released,” Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel told WDAM. “He was injured, but he did not endanger his life, and he is home with his family, thank God.”
Troy Prenell Johnson, 22, was arrested hours later, around 12:30 a.m., according to the statement.
TWO NEW JERSEY POLICE OFFICERS SHOT, OFFICERS SEARCH DOOR TO DOOR FOR SUSPECT
Johnson was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and is awaiting his initial appearance to see if bond will be set for him, according to arrest records.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
The shooting came two days after two Bay St. Louis, Mississippi police officers were shot and killed while on duty.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“It’s sad,” Rigel told WDAM of the shootings. “I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and it’s not getting any easier, and it seems like it’s getting more frequent, so please keep us in your prayers. We’re here serving you all, and that’s what we do. So, thank you for your support.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.
