Names Released in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

JONESBORO, Ark. – One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting Tuesday night in Jonesboro.

At approximately 7:45 p.m. on January 9, the Jonesboro Police dispatch center received a call regarding an altercation between a father and his adult son at a home in the 1100 block of West Jefferson Street in Jonesboro, a release from Arkansas State Police said. A witness told dispatch that the son was armed with a knife. The report alleged he was threatening others with the weapon.

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JPD Patrolman Zachary Hobbs arrived at the home and confronted Joseph Lee McCrackin Jr., 26, of Little Rock.  A physical altercation ensued, and the officer fired his service weapon, striking McCrackin. Emergency personnel administered first aid, and McCrackin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Hobbs was transported to St. Bernard’s Medical Center with face and head injuries sustained in the altercation. On Wednesday morning, Smith updated a reporter that the officer had been released from the hospital overnight.

Arkansas State Police have been called in to take over the investigation, which is standard for an officer-involved shooting. Following their investigation, the case will be presented to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.