LUXORA, Ark. — An Arkansas State Police dog and the suspect he was chasing were both killed in a shootout with authorities in Mississippi County, Arkansas.
Arkansas State Police identified the man killed as James Edward Blackmon, 35, of St. Louis, Missouri.
According to the ASP, the trooper was patrolling I-55 near the 56 mile marker Monday when he spotted a vehicle that had reportedly been involved in a chase with law enforcement officers in Missouri.
The unidentified driver was pulled over, but ran from the scene. Two state troopers and a Mississippi County Sheriff’s Deputy pursued the suspect and eventually deployed a K-9 Trooper named Hemi.
Hemi reportedly caught up with the suspect and made contact. The suspect shot the dog, then turned on officers and began firing, the ASP said.
Crittenden County Lieutenant Darrell Prewitt and his K-9 Argos have been partners for years, and he even has a retired K-9 at home.
That’s why he says it’s hard for him to even think about losing him in the line of duty.
“I couldn’t imagine coming to work and not having him with me. It’s just that type of bond.”
The suspect was shot during the encounter and later died from his injuries. One state trooper was also injured during the chase but is expected to be okay.
The two state troopers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.