Arkansas State Police reports that a prosecutor has ruled an Izard County deputy’s use of deadly force was legally justified following an April 18 incident.
According to the investigation, deputies responded around 9:45 a.m. to a disturbance on Sylamore Vista Lane involving a suspect reportedly armed with a knife and a hammer. The suspect, identified as David Douglas, 35, of Mountain Home, was contacted by responding deputies from Izard and Stone counties.
During the encounter, a conducted electrical weapon was deployed but proved ineffective. A deputy then discharged his service weapon, striking Douglas, who died at the scene.
At the request of the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted an independent review. The findings were submitted to Sixteenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith concluded the deputy’s actions were a lawful response to an imminent deadly threat under Arkansas law.
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