Author: American Military University
By PoliceOne Staff
LUXORA, Ark. — An Arkansas K-9 was killed and a trooper was injured following a shootout with a suspect.
On Monday, an Arkansas State Trooper was patrolling a highway when he saw a vehicle that had earlier been identified as being pursued by Missouri police, KTHV reported. After being pulled over by troopers, Arkansas State Police said the driver, identified as 35-year-old James Edward Blackmon, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
During the ensuing foot pursuit, an Arkansas trooper deployed K-9 Hemi, who made contact with the suspect. Authorities said Blackmon shot and killed Hemi before engaging in a gunfight with police.
BREAKING: Arkansas State Police identify K-9 shot and killed in line of duty last night in Mississippi County. ASP K-9 Trooper Hemi was working with his partners to catch a suspect who fled from officers. pic.twitter.com/xikCdzzDvr
— Brandon Richard (@BrandonLRichard) July 31, 2018
Blackmon was wounded and was taken to a hospital, where he died Tuesday. Authorities said one trooper sustained minor injuries during the pursuit, but it wasn’t related to the exchange of gunfire.
Two troopers have been placed on administrative leave, per policy, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Hemi had been with the Arkansas State Police since 2013, according to KSLA-TV.
