New city ordinance aims to seize vehicles used in drive-by shootings. Here's what to know

Charlie Drape, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·1 min read
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A new ordinance passed by the Jackson City Council on Tuesday would allow the city to seize more vehicles used in drive-by shootings in Jackson.

However, in Mississippi a state law already on the books outlines the seizing of vehicles that are used in drive-by shootings: MS Code § 97-3-111 (2020). The law states that "all vehicles which are used in any manner to facilitate the discharging of a firearm or the throwing or ejection of a bomb or explosive device," are subject to forfeiture.

City Attorney Drew Martin explained the state law more to council members, saying that when a vehicle is suspected of being used in a drive-by shooting, a legal petition has to be filed by the Hinds County District Attorney's Office "or a representative thereof" to seize that vehicle. After the petition is filed and approved, then the Jackson Police Department can step in and seize the vehicle.

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes introduced a new city ordinance attempting to seize more vehicles used in drive-by shootings, which was unanimously approved by the Jackson City Council.
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes introduced a new city ordinance attempting to seize more vehicles used in drive-by shootings, which was unanimously approved by the Jackson City Council.

To get the ordinance more in line with state statutes — city ordinances cannot supersede state laws — the council approved an amendment saying, "the Jackson City Council hereby encourages the District Attorney and all existing powers" to immediately file a petition to seize a vehicle used in a drive-by shooting.

Martin said that the Office of the City Attorney is starting an internal communication with JPD, so when an arrest is made after a drive-by shooting JPD will notify Martin's office, then they will "communicate with the District Attorney’s Office" to get a petition filed to seize the vehicle used.

"It's too much drive-by shooting taking place in Jackson," Stokes said. "We cannot sit down … and allow these drive-by shootings to become a common thing in Jackson Mississippi."

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS ordinance aims to seize vehicles used in drive-by shootings.