The Associated Press
HELENA, Ark. (AP) - Four state troopers on a SWAT team shot and killed a Phillips County man Thursday when he ignored their commands and pulled a handgun at the conclusion of an eight-hour standoff, state police said.
James Henry Wood III, of the Crumrod community in far southern Phillips County, was pronounced dead at the scene outside his home, according to a news release from state police.
The release said the incident began about 8 a.m., when deputies were called to the home of a neighbor, Archie Smith, who had been caring for Wood’s father. Wood reportedly had forced his way into Smith’s home.
Before authorities could arrive, Wood returned to his home about 300 yards away, the news release said. Shortly after 1 p.m., state police negotiators and a Special Weapons And Tactics team set up a perimeter around the home and tried unsuccessfully to make contact with Wood, the release said.
Shortly after 3 p.m., the release said, Wood was spotted leaving his home, apparently heading for a vehicle. SWAT team members approached him and ordered him to stop and surrender, but he ignored their commands and continued walking, state police said.
An electrical-charge, non-fatal TASAR weapon also failed to stop Wood, the release said, and he eventually pulled a handgun from the waistband of his pants, “at which time the troopers fired on Wood, fatally wounding him,” according to the release.
The shooting is being investigated by the state police Criminal Investigation Division, which will provide a report to the local prosecutor to determine if any charge is called for, the release said.
Earlier this week, Phillips County deputies had obtained a warrant for Wood’s arrest after he was accused of beating his father and stealing money from him, state police said.