Prosecuting attorney rules December Saline County officer-involved shooting justified

The 22nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that the use of deadly force by members of the Saline County joint SWAT team and the Bryant Police Department (BPD) was justified in the December 15, 2025, shooting incident involving Ann Carmichael, 56, of Bryant.

On December 15, BPD officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 1100 block of SW 4th Street. A caller reported that his wife had fired a handgun at him through an interior bedroom door following an argument.

Due to the nature of the situation, BPD and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office activated their joint SWAT team to execute an arrest warrant. Negotiators made repeated attempts over several hours to persuade Carmichael to exit the home peacefully.

Carmichael eventually emerged from the residence armed with a handgun before retreating back inside. A short time later, she reappeared and fired multiple rounds toward SWAT personnel and the armored response vehicle positioned outside the home.
In response to the gunfire directed at them, SWAT team members discharged their weapons, striking Carmichael. She was later pronounced deceased.

Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) conducted an independent investigation into the use of force. The completed case file was submitted to the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney for review.

In a letter to ASP CID dated March 26, 2026, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shea Long concluded that the officers involved acted in self-defense and were legally justified in their use of deadly force.

   

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