IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Mississippi Fugitive Rafael McCloud Fatally Shot After Forcing Way Into Home: Police

McCloud, a suspected murderer, had been on the run for over a week after escaping from a county jail where he overpowered a guard.
Image: Suspect Rafael McCloud
Rafael McCloud, 33, center, is escorted to a holding cell by Vicksburg, Miss., police investigators at the Vicksburg Police Department after his initial court appearance in the abduction and death of Sharon Wilson, 69, on July 1, 2015.AP

A family being held hostage by a suspected murderer fatally shot him Thursday morning — ending the multi-agency manhunt for the armed and dangerous felon, police said.

The fugitive, Rafael McCloud, 34, had approached a man in Vicksburg while he was starting his car outside of his home, Vicksburg Police Chief Walter Armstrong told NBC affiliate WLBT.

Image: Suspect Rafael McCloud
Rafael McCloud, 33, center, is escorted to a holding cell by Vicksburg, Miss., police investigators at the Vicksburg Police Department after his initial court appearance in the abduction and death of Sharon Wilson, 69, on July 1, 2015.AP

McCloud ordered the man inside, where he tied him and his wife up, Armstrong said. At one point, McCloud stabbed the man in the shoulder and he got loose.

The man and his wife managed to grab a gun and one of them shot McCloud during the hours-long struggle, Armstrong told The Associated Press.

The woman and a child inside the home were unharmed, according to WLBT. The man was reportedly taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Related: Manhunt for Escaped Mississippi Murder Suspect Enters Second Day

The tense pursuit for McCloud began after he used a makeshift knife to overpower a guard at the Warren County Jail in Vicksburg on March 2. Authorities believed he was still in the area.

McCloud faced capital murder charges in the kidnapping and slaying of 69-year-old Sharon Wilson, who police say was badly beaten and raped last June. Her body was found in an abandoned hospital by ghost hunters who noticed a trail of blood, WLBT reported.

McCloud had previous felony convictions for auto burglary, grand larceny and armed robbery.