Police K9, suspect dead after officer-involved shooting

Suspect wounded last night died this morning

LUXORA, Ark. – The suspect is dead after being wounded in a shoot out with Arkansas State Troopers following the death of a police K-9 in the pursuit.

At approximately 6:57 PM yesterday (Monday, July 30, 2018) an Arkansas State Trooper patrolling Interstate 55 in Mississippi County near the 56 mile marker encountered a vehicle that had earlier been identified as being pursued by Missouri law enforcement officers.

The driver was stopped by Arkansas State Troopers, at which point the driver exited the vehicle and fled toward farm property. Two state troopers and a Mississippi County Sheriff’s Deputy pursued the individual on foot.

At that time the trooper deployed his K-9. The K-9 caught up with the individual, and made contact. The individual then fired a gun at the K-9, killing him.

After killing the K-9, the individual turned toward officers, engaging in a gunfight, according to the press release.

The individual was apprehended at 7:11 pm and transported to an area hospital where he died this morning. The body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

One state trooper sustained minor injuries during the course of the chase, not related to the gunfire.

Two Arkansas State Troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the states deadly force investigation. The investigative file will be submitted to the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney to determine if the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws, specifically the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.