Died 7/30/18
Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Injured
An Arkansas State Police K-9 and the suspect he was in pursuit of both died in a shootout in Mississippi County Monday night. At approximately 6:57 p.m., trooper patrolling Interstate 55 in Mississippi County near the 56 mile marker encountered a vehicle that had earlier been identified as being pursued by Missouri law enforcement officers, according to a news release. The driver was stopped by troopers, at which point the driver exited the vehicle and fled toward farm property. Two state troopers and a Mississippi County Sherriff’s Deputy pursued the individual on foot. At that time the trooper deployed K-9 Hemi. The K-9 caught up with the individual, and made contact. The individual then fired a gun at the police dog, killing him. After killing Hemi, the suspect turned toward officers, engaging in a gunfight. The individual was apprehended at 7:11 p.m. and transported to an area hospital where he died this morning. The body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the exact cause and manner of death. One state trooper sustained minor injuries during the course of the chase, not related to the gunfire. Two Arkansas State Troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the states deadly force investigation. The investigative file will be submitted to the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney to determine if the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws, specifically the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.