Arkansas – Eighth South Judicial District Prosecutor Connie Mitchell has determined that law enforcement officers were justified in the use of deadly force in connection with an April fatal shooting of a Texarkana man.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday evening, April 12, 2026.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division submitted the case file to the prosecutor’s office, which determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated the shooting, which occurred around 6:15 p.m. when a state trooper conducted a traffic stop on a GMC SUV traveling along State Highway 296. Authorities said the driver, identified as a 46-year-old Arkansas man, was the subject of an active felony warrant.
Officers with the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department responded to assist with the stop. During the encounter, the man refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle.
According to investigators, shots were fired by both the man and a responding officer during the interaction. The man was struck and officers immediately rendered medical aid before he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
The case was reviewed by the Eighth South Judicial District Prosecutor, who concluded the officer’s actions were consistent with Arkansas law.
In a letter dated April 23, 2026, the prosecutor stated that evidence, including officer statements, video footage, and medical findings, indicated the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The review found that an officer fired one round, striking him in the shoulder after the self-inflicted shot.
The prosecutor also noted the man appeared to be experiencing extreme impairment, emotional distress, and fear of returning to prison. It was determined that the officer reasonably believed there was a threat of serious harm or death to those on scene, justifying the use of force.