A police officer who was among a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force wounded a Phillips County man who had been spotted walking along Walnut Street in Helena carrying a rifle Thursday, March 3, Arkansas State Police said in a release.
Travon Brewer, 18, was wounded by gunfire from the police officer when Brewer reportedly raised the rifle that was at his side and pointed the gun toward police.
At 12:45 PM, while actively searching for a wanted fugitive, task force officers at 1508 Cherry Street heard gunfire originating from a nearby neighborhood. Two of the team members, both Jonesboro police officers, separated from the officers at the Cherry Street address to search for the source of the gunfire.
When the officers encountered Brewer, repeated commands were given to Brewer to drop the rifle. Reportedly Brewer ignored the orders and raised the rifle in the direction of the officers, leading one of the Jonesboro officers to fire his service weapon on Brewer who then ran toward a residence, collapsing outside 318 Monroe Street.
Both officers approached Brewer and began providing life saving measures until an ambulance arrived, eventually transporting him to a Memphis hospital. Brewer is reported to be in stable medical condition.
Authorities have requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the shooting incident. Special agents of the Criminal Investigation will prepare a case file for the Phillips County prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with state laws.
JPD told Region 8 News that eight officers were assigned to a U.S. Marshall’s Task Force conducting a search for a suspect. Region 8 News reports the officer involved is Investigator Michael Talley. He is on paid administrative leave.
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