Arkansas – At the request of the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have opened an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Friday, August 8, in Woodruff County.
The incident began at approximately 11:45 p.m. on August 7, when deputies responded to an assault call at a residence on County Road 639. Upon arrival, the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Thomas Dixon of Woodruff County, fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.
Deputies located one assault victim, who was taken to Unity Health – White County Medical Center in Searcy and later transferred to a Little Rock hospital for additional treatment.
Around 2 a.m. on August 8, a deputy returned to the residence to continue the search for Dixon and ensure the safety of those still inside.
Authorities said Dixon exited the home and walked toward the deputy, ignoring multiple commands to get on the ground. The deputy then fired his service weapon, striking Dixon.
Dixon was airlifted by Survival Flight to UAMS, where he remains in critical condition.
State Police said the case file will be submitted to the Woodruff County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether the deputy’s actions were consistent with Arkansas law.