The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division has launched an investigation into a fatal incident that unfolded on the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Hot Spring County.
The incident began around 6:20 p.m. when officers with the Rockport Police Department (RPD) conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Babcock and Nix roads. The driver, 43-year-old Christopher Buckley, was found to have outstanding warrants out of both Malvern and Hot Spring County.
According to ASP, Buckley fled the scene, initiating a multi-agency pursuit that included officers from the Rockport Police Department, Malvern Police Department, and deputies with the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office. Despite attempted tactical vehicle interventions, Buckley continued to evade officers until he lost control and crashed his vehicle near the intersection of Watts and McAlister streets.
After the crash, Buckley fled on foot. When confronted by a Malvern Police officer near the intersection of Sand and Mt. Willow roads, he reportedly pulled out a pistol and shot himself.
He was transported to a hospital in Malvern and later transferred to UAMS in Little Rock, where he died at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
The Rockport Police Department requested the ASP to investigate the incident.
