Videos Released in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting from January 9 in Jonesboro

JONESBORO, Ark. -Video records have been released in the deadly officer-involved shooting from January 9 in Jonesboro.

Multiple video files and audio files were part of the release to NEA Report, per our records request submitted on Tuesday after Arkansas State Police announced Officer Zachary Hobbs had been cleared in the incident.

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The video begins with the 911 call from family. At about 5:16 into the video, the body worn camera of Officer Zachary Hobbs is seen. Audio doesn’t record during the first few seconds, which appear to show McCrackin unwillingly complying with the officer’s commands at taser-point. As the officer is handcuffing him, McCrackin sweeps the officer and gets on top of him. From there, McCrackin repeatedly strikes the officer. The officer reported that McCrackin went for his gun during this point. With the officer alone, losing the conflict, and at risk of serious injury or death, he discharged his firearm several times.

The step-mother of McCrackin can be heard saying the officer had no choice.

“He had him in a headlock. He didn’t have no choice. He was beating the sh*t out of him.”

As back-up arrives, chaos at the crime scene begins to spread. The family of McCrackin is understandably emotional. The next several minutes are difficult to observe as a fatigued officer gasps for breath while the father speaks his final words to his son.

Other officers arrive and secured McCrackin, who has already lost consciousness. As more officers arrive and the threat is determined to be neutralized, police switch to offering medical care to McCrackin. After some time, officers determine the injuries are too severe. McCrackin was pronounced dead at the scene, with officers directing EMTs to their colleague whom had sustained head injuries.

While the most critical part of the incident was over, the video shows the emotional aftermath for both family and for police.

Both family and neighbors are understandably emotional in the wake of the fatal shooting, while police are struggling with the emotions as well.

In Prosecutor Sonia F. Hagood’s letter to State Police, she said the officer acted reasonably, in the situation.

“… The suspect continued to use violent physical force on Officer Hobbs with no indication that he would stop until the officer was incapacitated or deceased. Additionally, the suspect reached for Ofc. Hobbs’ service weapon during the violent encounter.”