The First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has determined that a Woodruff County deputy was justified in using deadly force during an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in March.
The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. on March 15, when deputies with the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1100 block of White Drive to assist the Augusta Police Department with a disturbance call.
During the encounter, a deputy discharged his service weapon, striking 45-year-old Randy Ealy of Franklin. Ealy was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the request of the sheriff’s office, special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the case file was submitted to the prosecuting attorney’s office for review.
In a letter dated April 6, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Bell concluded the deputy’s actions were consistent with Arkansas law.
Bell stated the deputy was acting within the scope of his authority and had a reasonable belief that Ealy was about to use deadly force, justifying the use of lethal force.
No charges will be filed against the deputy in connection with the shooting.
