A gunman who killed a state police dog has died hours after engaging in a gunfight with officers, authorities said Tuesday.
According to a news release from the Arkansas State Police, a driver was stopped by troopers shortly before 7 p.m. Monday on Interstate 55 in Mississippi County after the vehicle was identified as one that was sought by Missouri authorities.
When the driver fled on foot, two troopers and a Mississippi County sheriff’s deputy chased him, the release states. Eventually, a trooper released a police dog, who caught up with the fleeing individual, authorities said.
The gunman fired at the dog, Hemi, killing it, according to the agency.
The assailant then began shooting at the officers, who returned fire, the release states.
He was caught at 7:11 p.m. and taken to a nearby hospital, where he died Tuesday morning, police said. His body will be taken to the state Crime Lab.
Two troopers have been placed on paid leave, Arkansas State Police said. The results of an investigation will be given to the Mississippi County prosecuting attorney to determine if the use of deadly force was warranted.
