Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has identified Jacob Austin Hikes, 31, as the suspect involved in a series of violent incidents on November 6, including the shooting of a police sergeant and the discovery of pipe bombs in a vehicle.
According to authorities, the sequence of events began in Lenawee County around 4:30 p.m. when Hikes allegedly shot his brother. Police tracked Hikes using a monitoring device and later identified him driving a maroon van. Officers located the vehicle on Cooper Street on Jackson’s east side, where they observed what appeared to be Hikes discarding pipe bombs from the van.
Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez of the Michigan State Police confirmed that multiple pipe bombs were recovered from Hikes’ vehicle. Police say Hikes then led officers on a high-speed chase, during which gunfire was exchanged, resulting in several homes and cars being struck. No bystanders were reported injured.
The situation escalated around 5:41 p.m. when a sergeant from the Jackson Police Department was shot in the arm at the intersection of Van Dorn and Elizabeth Streets. The bullet reportedly passed through the sergeant’s arm and torso. After multiple shots were fired, law enforcement was able to apprehend Hikes, who was also struck by gunfire. Police provided medical assistance before Hikes was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to determine the full scope of the incident.
