Arkansas State Police: investigation underway after suspect killed in Hot Springs County pursuit incident

ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting fatality that occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024. The suspect, wanted in a shooting that occurred earlier near the Hot Spring County Courthouse in Malvern, died after fleeing from law enforcement.

Troopers located the suspect driving a 2016 GMC Acadia east on Moline Street. When Troopers attempted to pull him over, the suspect fled at a high rate of speed, turning south on Martin Luther King Boulevard. He traveled about 2 miles before driving through a Walgreens parking lot and then onto West Page Avenue.

A Trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver at the intersection of West Page and Vine Street. The suspect’s vehicle came to rest after striking a utility pole. The suspect, armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire on law enforcement. ASP Troopers and officers with the Malvern Police Department returned fire, striking the suspect.

The suspect was pronounced dead after being transported to a Little Rock hospital. The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.

The victim from the initial incident, which occurred at a business at Locust Street and West Page, was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.