Arkansas – A review by Sixteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith has concluded that an Izard County deputy’s use of deadly force in an April incident was a legally justified response to what was described as an immediate threat.
The incident took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, around 9:45 a.m., after dispatchers received reports of a disturbance involving an individual allegedly armed with a knife and a hammer who was making threats.
Deputies from both Izard and Stone counties responded to a residence on Sylamore Vista Lane, where they encountered the suspect, later identified as 35-year-old David Douglas of Mountain Home.
According to the findings, a deputy attempted to subdue Douglas using a conducted electrical weapon, commonly known as a Taser, but it did not stop the suspect. The deputy then fired his service weapon, striking Douglas, who died at the scene.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation at the request of the Izard County Sheriff’s Office. The case file was later forwarded to the prosecuting attorney for legal review.
In a letter dated May 1, 2026, Prosecutor Smith stated that, based on the available evidence, the deputy’s actions appeared to fall within the bounds of Arkansas law governing the use of deadly force.