By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Commerce Police Department Lieutenant Terry Miller and Patrol Officer James Hildebrand received a standing ovation Tuesday after receiving awards for heroism following their actions this spring at the Commerce Wal-Mart.
The incident occurred on March 7 when a suspect reportedly fired shots from the Wesley Street Overpass in Greenville, then began traveling toward Commerce. Lieutenant Miller and Officer Hildebrand intercepted the vehicle on Hwy 50, and exchanged gunfire with the suspect after being fired upon.
The chase then proceeded to Wal-Mart, as described by Police Chief Kerry Crews.
"Seeing that he was still a threat to officers and innocent persons, [Officer] Hildebrand fired at the shooter, eliminating the threat," Crews said. "All officers involved used their training experience to prevent the loss of life of their selves, and many other innocent bystanders inside the Wal-Mart store."
The suspect, 29-year-old Artenio Rodriguez, of Commerce, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In presenting Lieutenant Miller and Officer Hildebrand with their award Tuesday, Commerce Mayor Quay Throgmorton said, "Too often the word hero is thrown out. Basketball players aren't heroes, football players aren't heroes. Police officers, firefighters, people who serve in our military; they're heroes. These gentlemen [Miller and Hildebrand] are heroes. And this is just a small token [award] of appreciation. The only two phrases that come to me are 'thank you', and God bless you'."
Earlier this year, Delta County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Robertson was given a key to the City of Cooper for his efforts during the incident. Robertson, who was off-duty at the time, was shot once in his attempt to subdue the gunman.