State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Ark. (KATV) – A man is dead after leading Arkansas State Police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Jackson County at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour Friday morning. It ended when police opened fire on the man’s car, causing it to crash and burst into flames.

Special agents with the Arkansas State Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating the use of deadly force in the incident, which occurred at the 73 mile mark on northbound US Highway 67 in Newport.

Authorities said that around 9:41 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, ASP troopers began pursuing a motorist who was driving aggressively toward a marked unit at more than 120 miles per hour on US 67 South drove between Newport and Bradford in Jackson County.

Officers were able to stop the driver near the 80 mph mark and a standoff ensued. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was involved in the case and closed a portion of the highway while ASP crisis negotiators attempted to defuse the incident.

According to state police, the suspect refused to exit the vehicle and threatened officers, saying he had a gun. Approximately 30 minutes after the altercation began, the suspect fled the scene in his vehicle, driving more than 100 miles per hour against oncoming traffic.

Police fired shots at the vehicle when there was a gap in traffic, causing the vehicle to leave the road and catch fire.

The suspect died at the scene and two police officers involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. The suspect’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.

ASP Col. Mike Hagar released a statement regarding the incident.

“We thank God tonight that no innocent civilians were injured or killed in this incident today,” Hagar said. “We also thank motorists in the area for their vigilance to avoid collisions that would undoubtedly have been fatal. “This suspect’s actions were reckless and heartless and have put countless lives at risk.”

ASP-CID agents will investigate the case and send a file to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether the use of deadly force complied with Arkansas law.

KATV will update the story with more information as it becomes available.