Press conference for Biloxi Officer McKeithen

A sad day for the City of Biloxi as a police officer was shot outside the city’s public safety center building Sunday night before being transported to Merit Health Hospital where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

A little after 10 p.m. on Sunday Officer Robert McKeithen died after suffering from multiple gunshots. A press conference took place this morning as law enforcement discussed the life of the 24 year veteran of the Biloxi Police Department and information regarding the suspect.

The suspect is a black male between 5’7” and 5’10”. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, Navy blue shorts, and a red beanie.

Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said, “Robert was an unbelievably fine policeman. He did a great job. He took care of the citizens of Biloxi for almost 24 years. He was planning on retiring at the end of the year. He leaves behind a wife, a daughter, two step-sons, and a step-daughter.”

Gulfport Police Chief Leonard Papania said, “Everyone is concerned. Anytime you have this kind of deliberate and violent attack on a police officer, especially right in front of a police station, it should cause everybody great concern.”

Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson said, “The law enforcement community here on the Coast is strong. It affects every one of us. It’s affected me all night and I feel strong for the Biloxi Police Department, for the police family here, but this is something we have to solve immediately.”

This shooting marks the fifth fallen officer for the Biloxi Police Department. If you have any information contact the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898 or you can reach out to any Coast law enforcement agency.