Twin Groves, AR – The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening in Faulkner County.
According to the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), law enforcement had been searching for Joseph Blair, 41, an absconder from the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC), who was considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals and FCSO tracked Blair throughout the day.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., the DOC K-9 team located Blair in a wooded area near Solomon Grove Baptist Church. Blair was reportedly armed with a firearm when DOC officers fired, fatally striking him. The Faulkner County Coroner pronounced him deceased at around 8:30 p.m.
The Arkansas State Crime Lab will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. ASP CID agents will submit their findings to the Faulkner County Prosecutor to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified under state law.
The investigation remains ongoing.
