In the quiet streets of McComb, Mississippi, a devastating tragedy unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday afternoon, August 5, 2025, leaving a community in mourning and a police department grieving one of their own. Off-duty McComb Police Sergeant Jason Blake, a 16-year veteran of law enforcement, was fatally shot in a heartbreaking incident near Highway 44 and Cole Thomas Road, an event that authorities have described as an apparent murder-suicide.
The day began like any other for Sgt. Blake, a man known for his unwavering commitment to protecting others, even when the clock signaled he was off duty. According to McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry, Blake received a personal plea for help from someone in need. True to his calling, he didn’t hesitate to respond, rushing to an apartment complex near the intersection of Highway 44 and Cole Thomas Road. It was there, in a moment that would define his legacy, that tragedy struck.
As Blake arrived at the scene, he encountered an armed suspect whose actions would unleash a wave of violence. The gunman opened fire, shooting two individuals inside the residence—one of whom was killed—before turning the weapon on himself in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide. Amid the chaos, Sgt. Blake was struck by gunfire. Despite efforts to save him, the beloved officer succumbed to his injuries, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Sgt. Jason Blake was more than just a badge; he was a pillar of the McComb community. Having served five years with the McComb Police Department, Blake brought with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Wesson Police Department. Described by Chief Perry as a “big teddy bear,” Blake was a man whose warmth and dedication touched countless lives. “He died doing what he loved,” Perry said, his voice heavy with grief. “He was well-loved in the community. It’s just a sad day for all of us.”
The incident claimed two lives in total, with one other individual—a woman—surviving with non-life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The identities of the other victims and the shooter have not been released, as the Pike County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Sheriff Wally Jones, leading the probe, confirmed the incident occurred around 3 p.m., but details about the relationships between those involved remain undisclosed as authorities work to piece together the events.
McComb Mayor Quordiniah N. Lockley addressed the tragedy with a heavy heart, urging the community to come together in support of those affected. “Keep us in your prayers,” she said, echoing Chief Perry’s call for unity during this dark time. The loss of Sgt. Blake, a husband and father, has sent shockwaves through McComb, a city that prides itself on its tight-knit community and shared resilience.
Blake’s legacy is one of courage and selflessness. His decision to answer a call for help, even when off duty, speaks to the core of who he was—a protector, a hero, and a man who lived his life in service to others. “This is some of the stuff we sign up for,” Chief Perry reflected, underscoring the risks law enforcement officers face every day, whether on or off the clock.
As the investigation unfolds, the McComb Police Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office are working tirelessly to uncover the full scope of what happened that fateful afternoon. For now, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and a cherished neighbor. Sgt. Jason Blake leaves behind a wife, children, and a legacy of bravery that will not be forgotten. In the words of Chief Perry, “Until we figure out the circumstances, just keep us in your prayers.” McComb holds tight to those words, honoring a fallen hero whose light will continue to shine in their hearts.