Suspect dead, multiple officers injured after officer-involved shooting

JACKSON CO., Ark. (KAIT) – A suspect is dead and several officers are injured following an officer-involved shooting.

Arkansas State Police Troopers began a pursuit around 9:41 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, to stop a vehicle they said was driving aggressively toward a marked ASP unit.

According to ASP’s media release, the vehicle was reported to be traveling over 120 miles per hour on US 67 South between Newport and Bradford.

Officers stopped the suspect near the 80 mile marker on US 67 South near Newport; From then on it was a stalemate.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office closed a portion of the highway while ASP crisis negotiators worked with the suspect to peacefully end the incident.

As negotiations continued, the suspect refused to exit his vehicle, then threatened officers and told them he had a gun.

About 30 minutes after the stop, the suspect fled and drove south in the northbound lane against oncoming traffic “at more than 100 miles per hour,” the release said.

Police officers followed the vehicle and shot the driver when there was a gap in the traffic. The suspect’s vehicle left the road and entered a ditch where it caught fire.

According to the news release, the suspect died at the scene and two officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, the release said.

“We thank God tonight that no innocent civilians were injured or killed in this incident,” Col. Mike Hagar said in the news release. “We also thank motorists in the area for their vigilance to avoid accidents that would undoubtedly have been fatal. “This suspect’s actions were reckless and heartless and put countless lives in danger.”

The ASP Criminal Investigation Division will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Jackson County Prosecutor to determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

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