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Man killed during altercation with Springdale officers outside repair shop

Police responded to Motas Auto Service for a male breaking the windows of a car.

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Two Springdale police officers who were placed on paid leave following a shooting at a car repair shop Sunday, May 8, have been identified. 

According to Cap. Jeff Taylor with the Springdale Police Department, officers were called to Motas Auto Service on S. Thompson Street Sunday afternoon for a man allegedly breaking the windows of a car with a large rock. 

When officers arrived, a physical altercation took place, and at some point, officers shot at the man, and he was struck. 

Capt. Taylor says officers attempted life-saving measures on the man until paramedics arrived. Paramedics then took him to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

“Our officers they’re trained every day to go out there and expected to do the job they have to do, Taylor said.  But you never know what may transpire.”

The two officers who were on the scene during the shooting were also taken to a local hospital to be treated. They have been identified as Officer Dustin Hartley and Sergeant Josh Drake. Hartley has been with the Springdale Police Department for over four years, and Drake has been with the department for over a decade. 

Credit: Springdale Police Department
Sergeant Josh Drake (L), Officer Dustin Hartley (R)

While Springdale Police did ask the Washington County Sheriff’s office to conduct an investigation on if the shooting was justified, Springdale Police will host their own investigation. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is investigating the use of deadly force by the officers. 

“We’re looking at policies, we look at the procedures to make sure that our policies and procedures are followed, as far as the use of force and those type of things,”  Taylor said. The Washington  County Sheriff’s Office, they look at the criminal side, as far as the deadly force encounter. And once they get that done they will turn it over to the Washington County Prosecutors' office

Both officers were placed on paid administrative leave. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the Springdale Police Department released no further details. 

The man shot by the officers has not yet been identified. 

“The identity of the deceased is still not being released at this time,” said Taylor. ”Waiting on next of kin notification and positive identification.”

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