By Police1 Staff
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Investigators determined the January shooting death of a constable was justified, a prosecutor said Thursday.
“I have concluded that Edward Blundell was justified in his action under Arkansas law in that he was reasonable in believing that deadly force was about to be used against him,” Prosecutor Kyle Hunter said in a news release.
Jefferson County Constable Tommy Holcomb was first to draw his weapon when the two men met in a gas station parking lot, according to The Associated Press. Blundell, 29, got into a verbal fight with the constable after a car in which he was a passenger nearly hit Holcomb’s, authorities said.
Blundell shot the constable, who also fired. Hunter said Holcomb did not show his badge when he drew his firearm.
“It is a horrible loss,” Hunter said. “Not only to his family, but to the entire community. We in law enforcement are thankful for his many years of service.”
Blundell faces a misdemeanor charge for not having a weapon permit. He will not face felony charges.
“We are just hurting,” a family member said. “That’s about all I want to say.”