JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Jackson police believe collaboration is key when it comes to ending violence in the capital city.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said the cycle of violence has to stop after a man allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend on Saturday, August 24 in the 5400 block of Marblehead Drive.

Jamarion Merritt, 22, has been charged with kidnapping, felony fleeing and possession of a stolen vehicle. According to Wade, Merritt forced his girlfriend into the stolen vehicle and took her to Yazoo City.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts between Jackson police and Yazoo City police, Wade said Merritt was taken into custody. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

“People can’t stand rejection. They don’t know how to deal with conflict. So, I don’t know what the issue was with him and his girlfriend or what had led him to that. But to get violent, to abuse her, to kidnap her in a stolen, carjacked vehicle that didn’t belong to you, which compelled the situation, then, of course, also to not to respond, to adhere to law enforcement attempting to apprehend you. It had to, you know, go all the way up to Yazoo City,” said Wade.

The police chief said many of the issues begin at home, which created a traumatic pattern for families. He said Jackson police will continue to do what they can to help the community.

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