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Arkansas State Police: Judsonia officer-involved shooting under investigation

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A law enforcement officer-involved shooting is under investigation arising out of an incident that occurred in White County shortly before 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, according to a press release from the Arkansas State Police.

Matthew Garrett, 24, of Judsonia, was wounded by gunfire from at least one Judsonia police officer as Garrett, holding a knife, lunged toward the officer.

At approximately 4:55 p.m., Judsonia police encountered Garrett after seeing him stumble across Arkansas Highway 367.

As the police officers exited their patrol vehicle to assist Garrett, he began to run into a nearby wooded area followed by police.

According to the officers, Garrett stopped and turned toward them brandishing a hunting knife.

Following several minutes of attempts by the officers to persuade Garrett to drop the knife, Garrett “lunged” toward one of the officers who shot Garrett, according to the release.

Garrett was transported by ambulance from the scene to a Searcy hospital where he underwent surgery Friday night. There were no updates from the hospital on Garrett’s medical condition at the time of the release from the Arkansas State Police.

Special agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were called to the community to begin an investigation.

An investigative file documenting the facts of the incident will be prepared and presented to the White County prosecuting attorney to determine if the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas law.

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