Latest Officer-Involved Shooting Not Likely to Spark Riots in Arkansas

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PHOTO BY SPRINGDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT Clockwise, from left: Zachary Sutton, 26; Sgt. Josh Kirmer; patrol officer Roger Eubanks

 

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (AP) — Authorities say officers in northwest Arkansas fatally shot a man on a scooter who reportedly fired a pistol at police during a traffic stop.

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Police say the shooting happened Tuesday night in Springdale, about 140 miles northwest of Little Rock. The Springdale Police Department said in a statement that two officers pulled over the man, who then started firing a pistol at the officers.

Police say the officers returned fire, striking the man. Springdale police say the officers then requested an ambulance and provided medical aid to the man until emergency responders arrived, but the man was later pronounced dead at a Springdale hospital.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting, and the officers were placed on administrative leave.

Arkansas Online reported police had issued a news release Wednesday afternoon that said 26-year-old Zachary Sutton of Springdale was stopped by Sgt. Josh Kirmer and patrol officer Roger Eubanks for a traffic offense at 10:36 p.m. Tuesday.

According to police, video from the officers’ vehicle shows Sutton aiming and firing a handgun at Eubanks and Kirmer before the officers returned fire.

Both police officers and the suspect are caucasian, so it appears the Springdale area will be spared from any riots in response to the shooting.

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