Arkansas – Nineteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rogers has determined that the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Jeremy Coyle by a Berryville Police officer earlier this month was legally justified under Arkansas law.
The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, May 1, 2025, around 11:15 a.m., when the Tri-City SWAT team — made up of officers from Berryville, Eureka Springs, and Green Forest Police Departments — was executing both a search and an arrest warrant at a residence in the 13000 block of Highway 187 in Eureka Springs. The warrants were related to pending sexual assault charges against Coyle.
According to the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (ASP CID), SWAT officers made contact with Coyle and attempted to convince him to exit the residence voluntarily. When he failed to comply with commands, officers entered the home and encountered Coyle armed with a firearm.
Witness accounts and law enforcement reports indicate that Coyle pointed the weapon at officers, at which point one of the SWAT officers discharged his service weapon, striking Coyle. Emergency medical treatment was immediately rendered by paramedics at the scene, but Coyle was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Following the shooting, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Arkansas State Police take over the investigation to ensure impartiality. Special agents from ASP CID conducted interviews, collected evidence, and compiled a report which was submitted to Prosecuting Attorney Rogers for review.
In a formal letter dated May 22, 2025, addressed to the Arkansas State Police, Prosecutor Rogers concluded that the officer’s use of deadly force met the legal standards under state law, stating, “The use of deadly force against Coyle was justified under the circumstances.”
The officer involved in the shooting has not been publicly identified. No additional charges are expected in the case, and the investigation has now been officially closed.
The shooting marked a high-stakes end to a law enforcement operation involving serious allegations and a significant response by regional agencies. Officials have emphasized the importance of public safety and the adherence to legal protocol in high-risk warrant service situations.