Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at the 73-mile marker on U.S. Highway 67 northbound Friday morning.
According to a media release from the ASP, around 9:41 a.m., troopers began a pursuit to stop a vehicle that had driven aggressively toward a marked ASP unit while traveling over 120 mph on U.S. 67 South between Newport and Bradford in Jackson County.
Troopers were able to stop the suspect vehicle near the 80-mile marker on U.S. 67 South, where a standoff ensued. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office closed a portion of the highway while ASP crisis negotiators worked with the suspect to end the incident peacefully. The suspect refused orders to exit the vehicle, however, threatening officers and telling them he had a weapon.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the suspect fled the scene, traveling south in the northbound lane against oncoming traffic at more than 100 mph.
Troopers employed deadly force to stop the suspect, firing at the driver when there was a gap in traffic. The suspect vehicle ran off the roadway into the ditch, where it caught fire.
The suspect died on the scene. Two troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
“We are thanking God this evening that no innocent civilians were injured or killed today during this incident,” said Colonel Mike Hagar. “We also thank motorists in the area for being alert to avoid what undoubtedly would have been deadly collisions. This suspect’s actions were reckless and heartless, putting an untold number of lives at risk.”
ASP CID agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws, the release said.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
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