In Memory of Lieutenant Michael Boutte

Officer Shot and Killed in Mississippi

Mississippi officials were stunned in announcing the loss of a local officer to gun violence. Lieutenant Michael Boutte was shot and killed while answering a call on February 1, 2021. Lt. Boutte had served his community through his work with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for the past eight years.

Lt. Boutte responded to a call for help. The call was regarding an attempted suicide. The worried caller was looking to help. As Lt. Boutte arrived at the location on Ceaser Necaise Rd, in the small town of Necaise, Mississippi, he spotted the suspect. As he exited his vehicle to offer assistance, Lt. Boutte was shot and killed by the subject. Another deputy also responding to the scene, then shot and wounded the gunman.

The gunman was immediately arrested and is facing charges, which are pending. Lt. Boutte was given life-saving measures and airlifted to a hospital in New Orleans but died from his wounds several hours later.
Lt. Boutte had been in civilian service for his entire career. He started when he became a Veteran of the US Air Force. Boutte served during Operation Desert Storm. Upon leaving his military service with the Air Force, Boutte started his law enforcement career by serving as an officer with the Marine Corps Civilian Police.

During his career, Lt. Boutte had received many awards. Many on the force and residents looked up to him as a leader. He was awarded the Life-Saving Medal for saving a young child’s life. Locally, for the Sheriff’s department, Boutte initiated the National Crime Night Out and helped the City of Diamondhead create their Silver Alert Database.

Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

Lt. Boutte chose to spend his career serving with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. The HCSO is a full-service law enforcement agency. They provide services to all unincorporated areas of Hancock County, Mississippi, and also provide law enforcement under contract with the city of Diamondhead.

The agency is divided into Criminal Investigations, Corrections, Narcotics, Patrol, Training, Reserve, and City of Diamondhead Operations. Deputies in the patrol division monitor more than 550 square miles each day. The HCSO provides protection and law enforcement to approximately 50,000 residents, provides court security, and manages the Hancock County Jail services.

Remembrances

Families across the globe have been devastated by loss due to the pandemic. When officers face the threat of an invisible enemy, they are needed more than ever. Suicide and domestic violence rates have skyrocketed. The loss of Lt. Boutte as he tried to save another’s life is overwhelming both to family members and the community he served. Boutte was respected and loved for all that he did for others. Now, family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers will come together to remember Boutte and celebrate the life he lived.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves posted condolences on Twitter when he learned of the news of Lt. Boutte. “We just lost a brave man in the line of duty—Lieutenant Michael Boutte of the Hancock Sheriff’s Dept. His fearless service demonstrates his courage, and the outpouring of love demonstrates just how great this loss is. He is a fallen hero. Please pray for the many who loved him.”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office posted their condolences on social media. “Our prayers are with the family, coworkers, and friends of Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Michael Boutte. Lt. Boutte died earlier this evening after being shot Monday afternoon while answering a call at a home in the Necaise community. Thank you for your service Lt. Boutte. Rest in Peace.”

Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam shared his grief with the community. “The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office suffered a huge loss today. Mike was an incredible deputy and more so a fine person. He was a mentor to our younger deputies, and I know he will be greatly missed by his peers. You never saw him without a smile or a positive attitude. I can’t begin to describe the heartbreak we are all experiencing right now. My thoughts, prayers, and heart go out to his family and loved ones.”