An Arkansas sheriff’s deputy shot in what was initially described as an “ambush” while responding to a call Wednesday has died, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office said. – Law enforcement officers in Sebastian County are grieving the loss of Deputy Bill Cooper. Cooper and Spells were among officers who found Jones with a rifle and body armor when they went to his home east of Hackett, near the Oklahoma border.
Advertisement
Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck said cooper was well-loved within the department and had community policing in his heart. Hollenbeck said Cooper was around age 65 and expected to retire soon. Chief Spells was grazed on the head, treated and was released from the hospital.
The suspected shooter was identified as Billy Monroe Jones, 35.
The sheriff said Jones was due in a Fort Smith courtroom Wednesday for a hearing on whether a previous suspended sentence should be revoked.
Bill was known to all as a great guy and on behalf of Law Officer, we extend our prayers to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department, the community and Bill’s family. Cooper underwent several surgeries but was pronounced dead at around 1:15 p.m., the sheriff said.
Court records show Jones has had a drug conviction in state court along with a handful of minor charges, such as speeding and public intoxication, in nearby Greenwood.
Hollenbeck says the Hackett police officer suffered “superficial” wounds, but he declined to release the condition of the sheriff’s deputy.
The suspected gunman surrendered shortly before noon after an hours-long standoff at his home, authorities said.
Both Cooper and Chief Spells were taken to Sparks Hospital. “We stand with you during this hard time”, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said in a statement.
A Sebastian County sheriff’s deputy has died, while a west Arkansas town’s police chief was injured Wednesday when a man opened fire on officers.
“It’s a risky business and it really illustrates the importance of our support for law enforcement”, Hutchinson told reporters at an event in North Little Rock.
Pevehouse says the shooting happened Wednesday morning as the officers responded to an unspecified call for service.
Law enforcement pulled Deputy Cooper and Chief Spells from the scene and began returning shots at Jones.
Advertisement
Pevehouse couldn’t immediately be reached by The Associated Press.
