Ingalls Shipbuilding Employee Arrested for Murder
A tragic shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has left one employee dead and another arrested on murder charges. The incident occurred early Friday morning, prompting a lockdown of the sprawling shipyard, which employs over 10,000 workers. Authorities confirmed that the victim, identified as 27-year-old Tahj Johnson, was shot on a U.S. Navy ship under construction.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the shooting unfolded around 7:30 a.m. when a worker discovered Johnson’s body. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office quickly initiated a search for the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Curtis Demetries James Jr., also an employee at Ingalls. Officers conducted a thorough sweep of the shipyard, which includes industrial buildings and warehouses, to locate the shooter among thousands of workers. By 9 a.m., James was detained without incident.
Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott described the shooting as a tragic dispute between two friends. He emphasized that the incident was isolated and did not pose a broader threat to the shipyard. The police investigation revealed that the two men had argued earlier in the week, although the specifics of their dispute remain undisclosed.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a key player in constructing vessels for the Navy and Coast Guard, issued a warning about an active shooter, advising employees to shelter in place for several hours. The company’s president, Brian Blanchette, expressed deep sadness over the incident and stated that they would cooperate with law enforcement to investigate how a firearm was brought into the secure facility, where weapons are generally prohibited.
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Community Response and Support
In the wake of the shooting, Ingalls Shipbuilding has sent employees home with pay and plans to provide grief counseling for those affected. The company expressed condolences to Johnson’s family and friends, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on the close-knit community of shipbuilders. This incident marks the second fatal shooting at the shipyard in recent decades, with a similar event occurring in 2005.
Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the shooting, and no damage was reported to any ships. Investigators are continuing to search the premises for the firearm used in the incident. Pascagoula Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as they work to piece together the events that led to this tragic loss.
