Corinth Officer Who Was Shot Twice Honored By Crime Stoppers

By Josh Mitchell

Corinth Today News Editor

Corinth police officer Kevin Parker Jr. was honored Wednesday by Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi with the Law Enforcement Purple Heart Award for his efforts last year in which he was shot during a struggle with a suspect, an official said.

Parker received the award at the annual Crime Stoppers luncheon in Tupelo, according to Maj. Chuck Hinds with the Corinth Police Department.

The incident in which Parker was shot occurred on Bell School Road after he had responded to a prowler call, Hinds said. After initially responding to the call Parker went back to the area and saw a male crossing the road, Hinds added.

Parker got out of his car to confront the person, and the struggle ensued, Hinds said. Parker’s gun discharged twice during the struggle, hitting Parker in the chest and shoulder, Hinds said.

The shot to Parker’s chest was stopped by his bulletproof vest, and the other round went through his shoulder, Hinds said.

Parker started with the Corinth Police Department in November 2014.

“He’s made a great recovery and (is) back at work,” said Hinds.