Arkansas – Early Friday morning, May 16, 2025, a suspect connected to a domestic disturbance and aggravated robbery in Fort Smith was fatally shot by Arkansas State Police (ASP) troopers following a pursuit and confrontation near Alma.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., ASP received a report of a reckless driver traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 near the 7-mile marker in Van Buren. Authorities believed the driver was involved in an earlier domestic incident. The suspect later stopped at the Hilltop Travel Center in Alma and entered the store.
ASP troopers and Crawford County deputies responded to the location, where an altercation ensued. During the confrontation, the suspect produced a handgun and fled on foot. Officers pursued the suspect, issuing multiple commands for him to drop the weapon. According to ASP, the suspect turned to face law enforcement while still armed and refused to comply, prompting troopers to open fire.
The suspect was fatally struck. No officers were injured during the incident.
The deceased has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation and will forward its findings to the Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney, who will review whether the use of lethal force complied with Arkansas law.