A Mississippi deputy was shot and killed early Monday while trying to break up a crowd following an event, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend the suspect.

Claiborne County Sheriff's Deputy Terrian Bailey, 45, was part of a response at a convenience store shortly after midnight in an effort to disperse a crowd from a Hermanville festival, WAPT-TV reports. That's when someone opened fire, and Bailey and a woman were struck.

Both were rushed to the hospital, where Bailey died. The woman suffered injuries that weren't considered life-threatening.

"Deputy Terrian Bailey made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously serving and protecting others," the sheriff's office stated in a social media post. 

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, and Sheriff Edward Goods told WAPT that authorities are searching for a suspect in the shooting.  

"We are working diligently to ensure that no stone is left unturned," the sheriff's office social media post stated. "The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, and we will continue to work alongside them as this investigation moves forward."

Goods said he is asking the public for any information related to the shooting, and investigators have already begun receiving tips. He added that authorities "won't stop until we get (the suspect)."

"Officer Bailey was dedicated to this community, born and raised here, raising his family here," said. Goods. "A family-oriented guy, the life of the party. The life of the department. He brought a lot to this community. He's going to truly be missed."