Jackson Police Investigating Armed Threat Against Officer After Viral Instagram Post
Jackson, MS – April 2, 2025 – A brazen act of intimidation against law enforcement has sparked an intense investigation in Jackson, Mississippi. According to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, an individual aimed a Glock pistol equipped with an illegal switch at a Jackson Police Department (JPD) officer’s cruiser on Tuesday, April 1, and later posted a photo of the act on Instagram.
The incident took place on Highway 80 near Robinson Road, a heavily traveled area of the city. The suspect’s decision to document and share the act online has only heightened concerns among law enforcement officials and the broader community.
Details of the Incident
During a press conference, Chief Wade provided details of the alarming situation.
- The suspect brandished a modified Glock handgun, which had been altered with an illegal switch—a modification that converts a standard semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
- The weapon was then pointed directly at a JPD cruiser, which was occupied by an officer at the time.
- Instead of fleeing or keeping the act secret, the suspect took a picture and posted it to Instagram, seemingly as a taunt to law enforcement.
Chief Wade did not reveal the identity of the suspect but confirmed that authorities are aggressively investigating the case.
Police Response and Investigation
JPD is treating the incident as a terroristic threat, and Chief Wade has vowed to hold the suspect accountable.
“We will not allow individuals to point guns at law enforcement and expect no repercussions. This is not a joke. It’s a criminal act, and we will pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law,” Wade stated firmly.
Investigators are currently working to:
- Identify the suspect using forensic social media tracking.
- Trace the origin of the firearm and determine whether it has been used in other crimes.
- Analyze surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
Law enforcement officials believe the suspect may have criminal affiliations, and they are considering gang involvement as a possible motive.
Dangers of Illegal Glock Switches
The modification found on the suspect’s firearm is commonly known as a Glock switch or auto sear. This small device, typically 3D-printed or smuggled from overseas, turns a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon, allowing it to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute—similar to a machine gun.
Possession of a Glock switch is highly illegal under federal law and can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Community Concerns and Law Enforcement Crackdown
This incident highlights the growing problem of illegally modified firearms in Mississippi and across the country. Law enforcement agencies, including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), have been cracking down on the trafficking and use of Glock switches, as they have been linked to violent crimes, drive-by shootings, and gang activity.
Jackson residents have voiced their frustration and fear, urging authorities to remove these weapons from the streets.
Call for Public Assistance
Chief Wade and the JPD are urging anyone with information about the suspect or their whereabouts to come forward.
Individuals can submit tips anonymously through:
📞 Jackson Police Tip Line: (601) 960-1234
💻 Mississippi Crime Stoppers Website
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to send a clear message: Threatening law enforcement will not be tolerated, and offenders will face serious consequences.