Hattiesburg police arrest suspect in Thursday homicide

Hattiesburg police have arrested John Erskins Roberts Jr. in connection to the Thursday shooting death of a Hattiesburg woman.

Capt. Branden McLemore said officers, following up on a lead, were called to East Third and Main streets on Friday where they found a man matching Roberts' description. He said they approached and arrested him without incident.

Police had earlier issued an arrest warrant for Roberts for first-degree murder. According to police, he arrived at the 200 block of Unetta Street Thursday afternoon when an altercation occurred. Roberts allegedly discharged a weapon striking Hattiesburg resident, Jamie Pittman, 30, who later died at a local hospital.

McLemore said officers were originally dispatched to the scene for a medical call. Upon arrival, police confirmed a female victim who had suffered a gunshot wound.

Pittman's body will be sent to Jackson for an autopsy.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact to Hattiesburg Police Department's Detective Division at (601) 545-4971.