On March 17, 2005, Jackson Police Department Patrolman Thomas Catchings, a nine-year veteran, was killed after responding to a reported carjacking. Flagged down while returning from motorcycle training, Catchings pursued the stolen vehicle to South Drive, where it crashed into a ditch. The 18-year-old driver emerged and opened fire; Catchings, not wearing a protective vest, was struck in the upper body. He returned fire and fatally wounded the shooter but died of his wounds about two hours later at University Medical Center.

Catchings left behind his wife, who also worked for the Jackson Police Department, and their six children. A subsequent investigation led to the conviction of the man who sold the 25 caliber handgun used by the shooter; in January 2006 that seller received a 16-month federal prison sentence for his role. Is there anyone who remembers Patrolman Catchings or has information about that night?