15 hours ago
Jackson Police Chief gives update on weekend shootings, discusses plans for enhanced patrol
Jackson Police Department Chief Thom Corley provided updates on two weekend shootings in Jackson, one of which injured seven at Kate Campbell Park, and another that left a 39-year-old man dead on Old Hickory Blvd.
In a press conference hosted in the lobby of the Jackson Police Department on May 28, Corley and Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Black addressed the incidents that have left the Jackson community saddened and frustrated.
Corley urged the community to contact JPD with any information at (731) 425-8400, Corley's office at (731) 425-8465, or Crime Stoppers at (731) 424-8477.
While the investigations are ongoing, further details beyond what was discussed have not been disclosed.
More: Police: 7 hurt in shooting that involved children at a Jackson park Saturday
More: Persons of interest identified in two separate weekend shootings in Jackson
On May 24, Corley says a large group of juveniles and young adults gathered for an "Orbeez party" at Kate Campbell Park.
Orbeez, which are gel-like beads that absorb and expand in water, can be similarly used like a water gun.
Though Corley noted that the juveniles and young adults were utilizing the park "for its intended purposes," Black added that the parks department did not sanction the activity.
"This was not an authorized activity from the Parks and Rec Department, we would have never allowed anything like this to happen," Black said.
Earlier in the day, police were dispatched following a claim of individuals with guns, but no reported disturbances or observed firearms were identified. Parkgoers also told officers that they had not witnessed such reports.
"Later at 8:41 p.m., officers were again called to the park in regards to the shooting that had occurred," Corley said. "Seven juveniles and young adults had been shot and one had been struck by a car. All but one of those victims have since been treated and released from the hospital."
The youngest victim was 13 years old.
Several of the juveniles recorded cell-phone videos of a large fight that broke out, followed by the shooting.
Flock cameras also allowed officers to identify suspect vehicles and a weapon. Evidence suggests that there are several individuals involved.
Despite more than 100 people present at the time of the shooting, Corley says only a handful have come forward with video evidence or witness testimony.
When officers arrived at the 700 block of Old Hickory Blvd on May 25 at approximately 4 a.m., they found Santiveious Collins, 39, deceased in a parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound.
At an apartment complex on the 800 block of Old Hickory Blvd., officers found a second male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, 35 years of age, who remains hospitalized.
Corley reports that witness statements and video surveillance indicate that a large crowd had formed in the parking lot after surrounding businesses had closed.
"An argument occurred on the lot between two men, and the shooting occurred," Corley said. "The Jackson Police Department has identified the persons involved in the shooting and are working with the district attorney's office on this case."
Corley noted that in accordance with the national trend of juvenile crime on the rise, Jackson "is not immune."
In 2024, at least five of the homicides investigated by JPD involved suspects between the ages of 15 and 21.
In 2025, four of the homicides involved juvenile suspects.
Corley pleaded with gun owners to be responsible, as many of the crimes committed by juveniles have been executed using stolen firearms.
"Do not let your gun become a crime gun," he said.
"Out of everything that we deal with, a lot of times the guns that we locate in these incidents are stolen, and they're stolen from law-abiding gunowners, but they find them in your vehicle because you left them there."
As the summer months quickly approach, JPD is gearing up to enhance its patrolling of parks and neighborhoods that are often visited by youth.
A fleet of five e-bikes will soon be launched in the same areas, following the completion of the required training and the acquisition of additional equipment.
"City parks are patrolled very regularly," Corley said. "We told the officers that if they're not on a call, they need to be driving through their neighborhoods and their parks that are in their districts, so if they're not on a call and have the ability to do it, then that's where they need to be."
When asked how community members are expected to grapple with the perhaps newfound, or amplified, hesitation of bringing their families and children to Jackson's more than 20 parks, Corley said the following:
"I can understand that, we're all human and we have those emotions when things like this happen," he said.
"I can tell you that we have worked together with the parks and recreation department. We went through security assessments of every park in the city. Last year, we got funded some more Flock cameras and cameras to be placed in and around those parks, so we're leveraging technology when we can and we're trying to make it as safe as we can."
Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson Memorial Day weekend shootings lead to enhanced park patrol
