Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at the 73-mile marker on U.S. Highway 67 northbound.
On Friday, October 11, 2024, around 9:41 a.m., ASP 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 managed to stop the suspect vehicle near the 80-mile marker on U.S. 67 South, leading to a standoff. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office closed part of the highway while ASP crisis negotiators attempted to resolve the situation peacefully. The suspect refused to exit the vehicle, threatening officers and claiming to have a weapon.
About 30 minutes later, the suspect fled, driving south in the northbound lane at more than 100 mph against oncoming traffic. Troopers used deadly force to stop the suspect, firing at the driver when there was a gap in traffic. The suspect vehicle veered off the road into a ditch and caught fire. The suspect died at the scene. Two Troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Colonel Mike Hagar expressed gratitude that no innocent civilians were harmed, stating, “We are thanking God this evening that no innocent civilians were injured or killed today during this incident.”
He also thanked motorists for being alert to avoid potential deadly collisions, describing the suspect’s actions as reckless and heartless.
ASP CID agents will compile an investigative file for the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney to review, determining whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
