Arkansas – The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman in Little Rock. The incident took place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at around 3 p.m. in the 7900 block of Baseline Road.
Larry-Purdiman was being pursued by officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Arkansas task force due to multiple outstanding warrants. He had recently failed to appear for a sentencing hearing related to violent felony charges in Pulaski County. Law enforcement tracked him to the Walmart on Baseline Road and attempted to arrest him as he sat in a vehicle near the store’s south entrance.
As officers approached, Larry-Purdiman exited the front passenger seat and fled on foot into a nearby gas station parking lot. During his escape, he fired a fully automatic handgun at officers, prompting them to return fire.
During the pursuit, an officer’s vehicle collided with a fuel pump, igniting a fire that engulfed the pump in flames.
Larry-Purdiman was ultimately found behind a business across Baseline Road, where paramedics attempted lifesaving measures. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No civilians were harmed during the incident. While no law enforcement officers were struck by gunfire, one officer sustained injuries during the pursuit and was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Arkansas State Police special agents are conducting a full investigation into the shooting. Their findings will be submitted to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine if the use of deadly force was justified under Arkansas law.