Prosecutor Says Izard County Deputy’s Deadly Force Was Lawful

IZARD COUNTY, Ark. — Sixteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith issued preliminary findings, concluding that an Izard County deputy’s use of deadly force was a lawful response to an imminent deadly threat posed by the suspect.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m., after Izard County dispatch received a report of a disturbance involving a person reportedly armed with a knife and a hammer who was making threats. Deputies from Izard and Stone counties responded to a home on Sylamore Vista Lane and contacted the suspect, later identified as David Douglas, 35, of Mountain Home.

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During the encounter, an Izard County deputy used a conducted electrical weapon, often called a Taser, that was ineffective before he discharged his service weapon, striking Douglas. Douglas died at the scene.

At the request of the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation into the use of deadly force. The investigative file was then submitted to the Izard County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

In a letter dated Friday, May 1, 2026, to ASP CID, Prosecutor Smith concluded that, based on the facts presently available, the deputy’s use of deadly force appears legally justified under Arkansas law.