A Mississippi law enforcement officer is facing a life-changing recovery after authorities say two brothers of a teen accused of murdering an elderly couple opened fire on a deputy during a traffic stop just days later.
Per Fox News, Covington County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ricky Lott said the incident unfolded on June 8 in Covington County, Mississippi, where deputies pulled over Cortavious and Cortavion Hobbs for a seat belt violation.
The two men are brothers of 17-year-old Cordarius Hobbs, who is accused of killing Billy Blair, 74, and his wife, Virginia Carol Blair, 71, during a home invasion days earlier.
Lott told Fox News Digital that Deputy Yates Rodney initially described the encounter as calm.
The suspects were “cordial, friendly and light-hearted,” Lott said, noting they had reportedly been returning from a fishing trip.
The situation changed when Rodney allegedly spotted marijuana inside the vehicle and began questioning the men about it.
Authorities say the traffic stop escalated into a pursuit that stretched roughly two to three miles before the suspects’ vehicle became stuck in mud.
According to investigators, gunfire erupted after the chase ended.
Rodney was struck in the shoulder during the encounter.
Lott said doctors informed the deputy that he “will never walk again” because the bullet damaged his spine and also nicked his lung.
Rodney had been with the sheriff’s office for about six months and had recently gotten married, according to Lott.
A GoFundMe established on the deputy’s behalf says he now faces a lengthy recovery process.
Authorities charged Cortavious and Cortavion Hobbs with attempted capital murder and hindering prosecution. Cortavion also faces a felony fleeing charge.
Lott said both men have juvenile criminal records, but did not provide additional details.
The arrests came just days after Cordarius Hobbs was charged in the deaths of Billy and Virginia Blair.
Deputies responded to the couple’s home in Simpson County on June 3 after relatives became concerned when they could not reach them.
Officials said deputies encountered gunfire upon arriving at the residence.
Cordarius Hobbs now faces two counts of capital murder, one count of burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and two counts of aggravated assault involving victims over the age of 65.
Mississippi authorities confirmed that all three suspects are brothers as the separate cases continue moving through the court system.
