A Woodruff County sheriff’s deputy was justified in the use of force during an Aug. 8 officer-involved shooting, the First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has determined.
Deputies responded late Aug. 7 to an assault call at a residence on Woodruff County Road 639 near Cotton Plant. One victim was transported to Unity HealthWhite County Medical Center in Searcy and later transferred to a Little Rock hospital for additional treatment.
Authorities said the suspect, Thomas Dixon, 36, of Woodruff County, exited the home and advanced toward a deputy while ignoring commands to get on the ground. The deputy discharged his weapon when Dixon continued to approach. Dixon was airlifted to UAMS in Little Rock for medical care.
At the request of the sheriff’s office, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated the incident and submitted its findings to Prosecuting Attorney Todd Murray. In a Sept. 5 letter, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Bell said the deputy’s use of force was reasonable, citing Dixon’s earlier felony battery and refusal to comply with commands.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI