Published: November 09, 2009 12:19 pm      

Officer dies from 'cardiac event'

A “cardiac event” claimed the life of Kosciusko Police Officer Joe Fulton, 45, early Sunday morning while on duty. The cause of death was determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

“His death is a terrible loss to the police department and our community,” Adams said. “He will be missed by all.”

According to a Kosciusko Police release, Fulton attempted to make a traffic stop on East Jefferson Extension at early Sunday morning. Luther “Trey” Bell III, 18, did not stop and Fulton continued into the county onto Stonewall Road.

On that county road near Ethel, Officer Fulton’s vehicle left the road and crashed during the pursuit of Bell due to the “cardiac event,” Adams said.

After being unable to reach the on-duty officer, officers Mark Hill and Sgt. David White found him.

With the help of a citizen, Fulton was removed from the car and medical attention was provided.

Bell was later taken into custody and charged with fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer.

“I would like to thank all involved in helping with this tragic event,” he said. Those who helped include Mississippi Highway Patrol, Attala County Sheriff’s Department, Attala County Fire Department, Med-Stat, the LEAPS Association, Attala County Cornoner Sam Bell, E-911 Department and others.

Fulton was an officer with the KPD for about two years and is survived by his wife and children.