Federal Authorities Investigate Fire at Mississippi Police Headquarters

Federal and local investigators are looking into a fire that occurred early Saturday at the Senatobia Police Department in Mississippi. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke at the building just before 5:00 a.m. and were able to extinguish the flames quickly.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities have not yet provided specific details regarding the amount of damage the police headquarters sustained.

The police department has been the subject of significant community anger following an incident in June where an officer shot and killed a 1-year-old boy. The child was in a vehicle with his mother during a shoplifting investigation at a local Walmart.

The department has also faced leadership changes recently. The police chief was terminated in September following allegations of using racist language, and the officer involved in the fatal shooting resigned earlier this month after being cleared of criminal charges by state officials.