Yesterday the Texarkana Texas Police Department advised the public two inmates had escaped from the Bi-State Jail. Later in the day, two officers from the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department located the two inmates. However, the officers were met with resistance while attempting to take the two escapees into custody. In addition, one escapee struggled to gain control of one of the officer’s guns. In the struggle, an officer’s gun was fired, causing the first officer to shoot the inmate fighting with the second officer. Unfortunately, one escapee was pronounced dead at the scene. Pending notification procedures, the name of the inmate has not been released. The official press release from the Arkansas State Police follows.
A Bowie County, Texas escapee was shot today while being taken into custody. The escapee was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the inmate is being withheld, pending family notification procedures.
The incident involved two Texarkana (Arkansas) police officers. Officials of the local police department have requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the use of deadly force by one of the officers.
About 1 PM today, one of the Texarkana police officers located the escapees outside 210 East Street. Subsequently, both officers approached the pair in an attempt to apprehend the escapees. While one officer was taking an escapee into custody, the second officer was met with resistance by the other inmate who began to fight with the officer and attempted to gain control of the second officer’s gun.
During the struggle the gun was fired, causing the first officer to shoot the inmate fighting with the second officer.
The body of the deceased inmate will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to confirm the cause and manner of death.
Special Agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division are continuing to collect statements from witnesses and evidence associated with the shooting.
The investigative case file prepared by the state police will be submitted to the Miller County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer in the incident was consistent with Arkansas laws.
Inquiries regarding the identity of the local police officers and their administrative status should be directed to the Texarkana Police Department.