Little Rock, AR — A Jacksonville man was fatally shot Monday afternoon during an officer-involved shooting in southwest Little Rock, prompting a state investigation.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on March 24, 2025, in the 7900 block of Baseline Road near a Walmart parking lot. Officers with the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Arkansas task force had attempted to arrest Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman, 23, on multiple outstanding warrants.
When officers initiated a traffic stop, Larry-Purdiman allegedly fled on foot and opened fire with a fully automatic handgun. Officers returned fire as the suspect ran across the parking lot and into a nearby gas station area.
During the pursuit, an officer’s vehicle reportedly struck a fuel pump, which caught fire. No civilians were injured, but one officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Larry-Purdiman was found behind a business across Baseline Road and pronounced dead despite paramedics’ lifesaving efforts.
ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division is preparing a report for the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether officers’ use of deadly force complied with Arkansas law.
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact state police.
