The State Police reported this afternoon that it’s investigating the wounding of a pedestrian on Interstate 49 near Mountainburg who reportedly made a threatening gesture toward the trooper with a rock this morning.

The report:

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The Arkansas State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting incident that occurred in Crawford County along Interstate 49 near the 32 mile marker, north of Mountainburg.

At approximately 6:20 AM today (Monday, June 8th) an Arkansas State Trooper on patrol along I-49 encountered an individual walking along the southbound shoulder of the interstate highway.

As the trooper approached the pedestrian, the unidentified man refused to comply with orders from the trooper and became combative with the trooper.

The pedestrian fled into the traffic lanes and took-up a position on a wooded embankment above the roadway.
Initial reports indicate that as the state trooper moved into a position to arrest the individual, the pedestrian raised his hand holding a large rock in a threatening manner, leading the trooper to fire his service weapon, wounding the man.

The pedestrian was transported to a Fort Smith hospital where he is reported in stable condition.

An investigation of the incident is underway by the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of Professional Standards. An investigative file will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether deadly force was used consistent with Arkansas laws.

At this time the identity of the pedestrian is uncertain.

As prescribed by Arkansas State Police policy, the trooper is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

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