Authorities have released an update following an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 6:00 a.m. on March 27, 2026, on Hamrick Road outside Bald Knob Arkansas.
Deputies responded to a report of an armed suspect with felony warrants for aggravated assault and threatening. When officers arrived, they located the suspect, identified as William Thomas, a white male with a date of birth of 4/27/1988, inside a disabled vehicle and armed with a pistol.
A negotiator and Special Response Team were called to the scene. Officials say the suspect communicated briefly before stating officers would have to kill him, then stopped responding.
After additional negotiation attempts failed, irritant gas was deployed. The suspect exited the vehicle with the pistol, refused commands, and was struck by a 40mm impact round before fleeing toward a wooded area while waving the weapon.
A K-9 unit was deployed and engaged the suspect. Authorities say the suspect fired, striking the K-9 in the head. Deputies then shot the suspect.
The injured K-9 was treated in Searcy Arkansas and has since returned home with its handler. Officials report the dog is in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital before being moved to Little Rock Arkansas for additional treatment. Additional charges are pending.
The Arkansas State Police is continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
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