Man Hunt underway for a suspect involved in the killing of a Meridian Police Officer

Kennis Croom, Meridian Police Officer

This morning a manhunt is still in place after a Meridian police officer was shot and killed on Thursday evening in the line of duty.

What we know so far:

Around 5:36 Thursday evening, a Meridian police officer who has now been identified as, Kennis Croom, responded to a disturbance call at the 2100 block of 51st Avenue.

After arriving, an unknown incident led to a shooting that ended with a female being shot along with MPD officer, Kennis Croom.

Both Croom and the female died.

31-year-old Dante Marquez Bender has been identified as the suspect in both murders. Bender is said to be driving a 2004 black Nissan Altima Armada with the license plate reading “IMANI”.

The Meridian police department is holding a press conference regarding Thursday evening’s shooting this afternoon at 12.

If you know the whereabouts of Bender, you are asked to call 1-855-485-8477.