The latest::Jackson police officer assault allegations, suicide: What we know

A Jackson Police Department officer under investigation following accusations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl died Monday morning in a car after he shot himself, JPD Spokesman Roderick Holmes said.

The officer was found shot in a Dodge Charger on the side of Interstate 220 between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., Holmes said. JPD would not name the officer but Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba identified him as James Hollins in an interview with WLBT-TV..

The apparent suicide follows allegations from a local attorney that the officer sexually assaulted a 15-year-old repeatedly in the back of a police cruiser.

Attorney Lisa Ross also said there are several sexually explicit videos of the officer with the minor in the back of his patrol car.

Ross, who is representing the mother of the teen, told WLBT the mother reported the alleged misconduct to Chief James Davis on Saturday.

Holmes said the officer was placed on administrative leave on Saturday after the department learned of the assault allegations.

He couldn't confirm if the officer shot himself with his service weapon.

"Generally, when you're put on administrative leave, you're weapon is taken, but that's not always the case. It was a handgun," he said.

Earlier in the day Monday, Holmes held a news conference to address the sexual assault allegations against the officer.

Holmes said the department had opened a criminal and internal investigation.

"All matters involving assault we take very seriously, We want the family to understand that if at any point in time, there's evidence of wrongdoing going on, we will not hesitate to take action," Holmes said at the press conference.

When asked if the reported suicide on the highway earlier in the day was connected to the officer accused of sexually assaulting the girl, Holmes said then "there's no knowledge right now it's connected."

More:JPD investigating allegations a JPD officer sexually abused a 15-year-old for months

More:Officer charged in killing fired. Judge, criticized by victim's mother, leaves case

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