The Jackson Police Department over the weekend learned of allegations that one of its officers had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

Two days later, on Memorial Day, the officer, James Hollins, shot and killed himself in a white Dodge Charger on the side of Interstate 220, authorities said.

Here's what we know:

Allegations of sexual assault

Jackson attorney Lisa Ross alerted local media of the allegations of assault over the weekend.

She said the assaults occurred in a hotel and in the back of Hollins' patrol car over a six-month period, starting in January.

She said Hollins was on duty. In some cases, the officer video recorded the encounters, she said.

Jackson Police Department's response

JPD spokesman Roderick Holmes said the department and Chief James Davis were made aware of the allegations on Saturday. He said the decision to put Hollins on administrative leave was made by Davis on Sunday.

Holmes did not know the nature of the administrative leave, whether Hollins was asked to surrender his service weapon or if he was on paid leave.

Davis could not be reached for comment.

Who was officer James Hollins?

The 29-year-old Hollins was found dead in a Dodge Charger on the side of Interstate 220 between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday.

JPD would not name the officer, citing an ongoing investigation, but Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba identified him Monday and Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart also confirmed his identity.

The former JPD officer apparently disabled his Facebook page over the weekend, which was set under the name Dkalan Taurus. However, some screenshots were saved that show Hollins was an Army veteran who had served in Afghanistan.

Hollins had been a police officer with JPD for about three years.

Investigation ongoing

Holmes said despite Hollins' death, the department's investigation into the allegations will continue.

"For us, this is something we'll keep pursuing. It's unfortunate what happened, but that doesn't mean our job has stopped," he said.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Contact Justin Vicory at 769-572-1418 or jvicory@gannett.com. Follow @justinvicory on Twitter.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts is asked to call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Mississippi Department of Mental Health also has a 24-hour helpline, 1-877-210-8513.

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