Mayor’s Statement on Officer-Involved Shooting

JONESBORO, Ark. – Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver has issued a statement on the fatal officer-involved shooting this week in Jonesboro.

Below is the full statement:

“Sometimes we take for granted the fact that our police force can be in a life threatening situation in the bat of an eye. I saw Officer Zach Hobbs at the hospital the night of the incident a couple nights ago, and I was once again reminded of just how serious the nature of their job is and how quickly it can escalate. I think we all need to keep that in mind of our men and women in blue, and appreciate how crucial they are to our community.”

“We continue our prayers and concerns for our officers and families, as well as the family of the man who lost his life.”

At about 7:45 p.m. on January 9,  dispatch received a call regarding a fight 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.

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 in the upper torso. Emergency personnel administered first aid, according to the release, but 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.

Arkansas State Police are still investigating, as is standard protocol.