Chief: Officer accused of sexually abusing minor kills self

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Authorities say a Mississippi police officer accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl has killed himself hours after the allegations became public.

Jackson Police Chief James Davis told media outlets the officer shot himself Monday afternoon on Interstate 220. Authorities have not released the officer's name.

A lawyer for the family of the 15-year-old girl told reporters Monday morning the officer had sex with the girl for six months and there are videos of their encounters in his patrol car. Attorney Lisa Ross called for an immediate investigation.

The Jackson Police Department a few hours later announced the officer was on administrative leave and an investigation had started. The officer was found dead a short time later.

The incident shut down I-220 for hours.