Mississippi narcotics agent shot, killed during standoff

IUKA, Miss., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent was killed and three others were wounded early Saturday after a lengthy standoff with an armed man who barricaded himself inside a home.

Lee Tartt, 44, was a 22-year law enforcement veteran who had been an employee of the MBN for 16 years. He is the fifth MBN agent to die in the line of duty in the agency's 45-year history, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety noted in a release.

The incident began near Iuka, Miss. Friday night when an armed man, later identified as 45-year-old Charles Lee Lambert, barricaded himself in a home with a woman and 10-year-old child for six hours, the DPS said.

The suspect was reportedly shot and killed after officers forcefully entered the home, prompting a shootout. Authorities say a high-powered rifle was recovered from inside the house.

Local media reported it is uncertain if the woman and child were held in the home against their will during the situation.

"Our men and women in law enforcement put themselves in harm's way every hour of every shift," Miss. Gov. Phil Bryant said in a statement obtained by The Clarion-Ledger after hearing news of Tartt's death.

"This is a tragic reminder that their willingness to serve can exact the highest price," he said. "Deborah and I ask all Mississippians to join us in praying for the family of the fallen officer. May God hold him in the hollow of his hand."

Tartt is survived by his wife and two children.