Theft suspect dies in police shooting

An armed man was fatally shot by an officer Wednesday night in Perry County during a confrontation, authorities said Thursday.

Arkansas State Police had not released the man's name, but he was described in a news release as a Memphis man wanted in a Pulaski County theft case.

The officer who shot the man also was not identified. He was said to be a Johnson County sheriff's deputy who was assisting authorities in Perry County in a search for the wanted man.

Police said the shooting happened shortly before midnight Wednesday near 1542 Arkansas 9, which is south of Perryville. The release said the wanted man was armed and was shot "after confronting officers."

An Arkansas State Police spokesman said he could not release further information about the confrontation.

"Until the investigation is complete there will be no further statement," Bill Sadler said in an email. "Once the investigation is formally closed the prosecuting attorney's file relating to the case will provide more information such as the particular type of firearm."

The state police findings will later be sent to the prosecutor's office "to consider whether the use of deadly force by the deputy was consistent with Arkansas law," the release said.

State Desk on 04/22/2016

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