Sheriff releases name of fallen deputy; Mountain View man held without bond

The Stone County Sheriff’s Department has released more information on yesterday’s killing of a sheriff’s deputy.

According to Sheriff Brandon Long, Stone County Deputy Justin Smith was fatally shot around 4 p.m. while attempting to serve Clinton Hefton (pictured) with a misdemeanor terroristic threatening warrant at a home in the 300 block of Sawmill Road.

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is investigating the incident and the specific circumstances involving the shooting.

While the investigation is in its preliminary stage, Long said early evidence indicates Hefton resisted arrest and fired on Deputy Smith, who was found mortally wounded by officers responding to reports of shots fired.

Officers responding to the home, located about five miles north of Mountain View, took Hefton into custody after a brief standoff.

Long said Clinton Craig Hefton, 52, of Mountain View, was charged with capital murder and is being held at the Cleburne County Detention Center with no bond.

In a release, the sheriff asked everyone pray for Deputy Smith’s family and all of his law enforcement brothers and sisters. Details of Deputy Smith’s memorial arrangements will be released upon completion.

The public is invited to visit a temporary patrol car tribute to Deputy Smith in the Mountain View courthouse square where flowers can be placed.

A procession will depart the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory on Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock at 1 p.m. today and proceed to Mountain View.