Eugene Elliot Reed, 69, was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with Arkansas State Troopers early today. No state troopers were injured during the prolonged armed stand-off at Reed’s home located at 4690 Hollyridge Cove in Sherwood.
The stand-off around the home began at 9:42 AM Monday (October 31st) when Sherwood police officers attempted to serve Reed with a warrant for his arrest. He was charged with criminal impersonation of a law enforcement officer (2nd degree). Reed threatened to shoot the officers who then backed away from the home and called for additional law enforcement personnel.
Throughout the day police negotiators made telephone contact with Reed and his wife who were inside the home and repeatedly asked both to surrender to police outside the residence. At the request of Sherwood police authorities, FBI SWAT and negotiation team members took charge of the stand-off. Meanwhile, local police began to evacuate nearby residents.
At approximately 8:30 PM, an Arkansas State Police SWAT and Crisis Response Negotiation Team was requested to continue with the negotiations and establish a secure perimeter around the home.
Through the course of the evening surveillance of the home confirmed multiple firearms were pre-positioned inside the home at several second-floor windows. Telephone negotiations with Reed continued, while separate telephone contact with Reed’s wife confirmed that she had isolated herself away from Reed and was hiding in a secured room located inside the home on the third floor.
Shortly after midnight Reed aimed what was believed to be a laser gunsight at state police SWAT team members who countered with gunfire directed at Reed. Reed subsequently returned gunfire directed toward state troopers.
Sporadic exchanges of gunfire continued and at approximately 3:00 AM Reed was shot and killed by state troopers as he made his way toward a .50 caliber rifle mounted near the front door of the home.
Reed’s wife was safely extricated from the home unharmed and is being questioned by special agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. At this time, she is not being held in connection with any criminal investigation.
Consistent with Arkansas State Police policy and procedures, 7 state troopers who directed gunfire at Reed have been placed on paid administrative leave.
A use of deadly force by law enforcement officers investigation is being conducted by the state police Criminal Investigation Division. The findings will be submitted to the Pulaski County prosecuting attorney to determine if the use of deadly force by the troopers was consistent with Arkansas laws.
The identity of the troopers will be disclosed upon completion of the investigation.
