WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), former deputy Stevon Grindstaff has been arrested by Arkansas State Police (ASP) on murder and assault charges after a man died during a traffic pursuit.
WCSO reported that on the evening of Dec. 3, 2023, Grindstaff, a corporal at the time, tried to pull over a truck driven by Scottie Stacy near Blue Springs Road in Fayetteville, but Stacy reportedly did not stop.
In the ensuing chase, WCSO said Stacy drove through a fence and into a field before stopping. When Grindstaff stepped out of his patrol car, Stacy reportedly "rapidly accelerated in reverse toward the deputy" before hitting the patrol car.
Grindstaff then shot at Stacy, killing him, officials say.
Although EMS had been called, WCSO said Stacy died at the scene, and Grindstaff was placed on administrative leave after the shooting.
There was reportedly a passenger in Stacy's vehicle, but they were "not injured," ASP reports.
Washington County Sheriff Jay Cantrell reportedly asked ASP to investigate the shooting, and on March 11, Grindstaff was arrested by ASP after a special prosecutor assigned to the case charged him with murder and assault.
WCSO said Grindstaff had been fired before his arrest.
5NEWS reached out to the special prosecutor assigned to the case who said no information will be released at this time.
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