Arkansas – The 22nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that the use of deadly force by members of the Saline County joint SWAT team and the Bryant Police Department was justified in a December 15, 2025, shooting involving a Bryant woman.
According to officials, officers with the Bryant Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in the 1100 block of SW 4th Street. A caller reported that his wife had fired a handgun at him through an interior bedroom door following an argument.
Due to the severity of the situation, the Bryant Police Department and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office activated their joint SWAT team to serve an arrest warrant. Authorities said negotiators made repeated attempts over several hours to persuade Ann Carmichael, 56, to exit the home peacefully.
Investigators said Carmichael eventually exited the residence while armed with a handgun before going back inside. A short time later, she reemerged and fired multiple rounds toward SWAT personnel and an armored response vehicle positioned outside the home.
SWAT team members returned fire after being shot at, striking Carmichael. She was later pronounced deceased.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation into the incident. The case file was then submitted for prosecutorial review.
In a letter dated March 26, 2026, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shea Long concluded that the officers involved acted in self-defense and that their use of deadly force was legally justified.