ASP investigating officer-involved fatal shooting in Independence County

At the request of the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC), the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting involving the DOC K-9 team that occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.On Monday, March 23, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Independence County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) deputies responded to a shooting call at a residence on Brown Lane in the Bethesda community. Deputies discovered two individuals who had been shot. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the other was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect, identified as Christopher Lee Johnston, 48, of Jonesboro, fled the scene following the shooting. A search for Johnston was conducted by ICSO, the DOC K-9 team, Batesville Police Department, and ASP Troopers.

On Tuesday, March 24, Johnston was located in a heavily wooded area near the original crime scene. The DOC K-9 team confronted Johnston in an adjoining field, where deadly force was employed. Johnston was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death. No officers were injured during the incident.

At the conclusion of the investigation, ASP CID special agents will present their findings to the Independence County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

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