Advertisement JPD chief says police chases into Jackson need to stop Stokes unapologetic, says throwing rocks at police is ‘suggestion’ Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance said he disagrees with City Councilman Kenneth Stokes' suggestion that rocks, bottles and bricks be thrown at officers, but he does agree with Stokes on one point."I also do not agree with high speed vehicle pursuits conducted by outside agencies into the city of Jackson," Vance said in a statement released Monday. "It is my belief that any high-speed chase has the potential to destroy property and place the lives and safety of innocent citizens at an unnecessary risk during attempts to capture misdemeanor suspects."Stokes said Sunday that he was only making a suggestion for what he would do, and he’s standing behind the comments he made last week as freedom of speech.“These are just thugs with guns and badges,” Stokes said. “What do I think should be done? Bricks, rocks and bottles would stop this nonsense.”Stokes’ comments have drawn national attention and the ire of law enforcement.Stokes said law enforcement agencies from areas surrounding Jackson disregard public safety when they speed onto the city’s roads.“Race is a factor in the blatant disregard for the public safety,” Stokes said. “I was on the council with a white mayor and a white majority council and a white chief of police. You didn’t have any of these chases. I was on the council with a white mayor and a black majority council and a white chief, no chases. When you get a black mayor, a black majority council and a black chief of police, you get more of these chases.“He said this is racism? Yeah, this is racism -- against every officer, deputy, everybody else that bleeds blue,” Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said. “It just makes me sick to my stomach that he would incite hatred and violence against these officers.”“I think he is setting his district back. I think he’s setting his race back by implicating a race issue, and I think it reflects poorly on the capital of our state,” Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker said.“What is your response to all of these law enforcement people speaking out about your comments?” 16 WAPT’s Anne Parker asked Stokes.“How many sheriffs are you talking about? Three sheriffs? Out of 80, something? That’s not even a percentage,” Stokes said. “Now the first thing I’ll say, the sheriff in Rankin County, is that he (is) a dumb bastard.”Stokes also said Sunday that former Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis had an uncle killed in a high-speed pursuit.“I resent him pulling me and my family into my statements as it relates to his comments about law enforcement and police pursuits. We have no dog in the fight,” Lewis said in a statement.Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber released a statement over the weekend in support of law enforcement.“This administration has worked tirelessly to create a seamless city where race and class work as partners and not as antagonists. We have made great strides in our efforts to build political bridges inside and outside of the city. An integral part of this task has included the many joint efforts by the Jackson Police Department collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies. This approach has resulted in the development of a family relationship that is formidable and cohesive in its goal of serving and protecting all citizens. Any challenges that we face in this area will continue to be resolved in an honorable and peaceful manner,” Yarber said. “We refuse to be sidetracked by comments that do not represent the heartbeat of the Capital City nor its respect and honor to those who serve and protect us all.”37253670The Jackson City Council released statement condemning Stokes' comments."As president of the City Council, I can say unequivocally that Councilman Stokes' comments are indefensible and do not represent the Jackson City Council or the City of Jackson," Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester Jr. said. "Following Councilman Stokes' comments, I have spoken personally with other members of the council and we are in agreement that the Jackson City Council does not support any calls for acts of violence against those who serve as members of law enforcement."A Facebook page has surfaced calling to remove Stokes from office. As of Monday morning, it has more than 8,600 likes.Instapoll 16: Should out of town officers stop chases at the Jackson city line? Call or text 601-980-4416 and enter "1" for yes or "2" for no.22758298