A late-night stabbing at a local Walmart left one employee dead and a suspect in custody following an officer-involved shooting, according to the Conway Police Department.
Officers were dispatched around 10:58 p.m. to reports of a male stabbing a female employee inside the store. Police said officers arrived within approximately one minute and encountered the suspect still armed with a knife.
According to authorities, officers issued multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon, but he did not comply and instead advanced toward an officer while still armed. One officer then fired a single shot, and a second officer deployed a Taser. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Police said the suspect did not appear to suffer a gunshot wound, and no other individuals were injured during the incident.
The victim was identified as 32-year-old Jordanne Drinkwater, an employee at the store. Officers and medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but she died at the scene from her injuries.
Police identified the suspect as 37-year-old Zeddrick Ross, who was transported to the Faulkner County Detention Center. Investigators said Ross was not employed by Walmart, was not known to the victim and had no prior interaction with her.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Conway Police Department extended condolences to Drinkwater’s family, friends and coworkers following the incident.
