A Fayetteville police officer shot and wounded a man early Saturday morning after a struggle inside a vehicle, according to a news release.
Willie Tillman, 33, of Marianna was shot in the abdomen, leg and chest after trying to flee a traffic stop on College Avenue. He was transported to a local hospital and being treated for his injuries, the release said.
The two officers involved in the incident, Cpl. Patrick Hanby and officer Brandon Jones, have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the releases said. The release did not specify which officer shot Tillman.
Tillman's Chrysler 200 was stopped for driving without headlights about 2:25 a.m. After being asked to step outside the vehicle, Tillman dove back inside the vehicle and attempted to flee, the release said. Both officers entered the vehicle with Tillman and deployed their tasers, according to the release.
The vehicle rolled a short distance, and one officer was able to exit the vehicle, the release said. The vehicle continued moving north on College Avenue until the officer shot Tillman. Tillman was pulled from the vehicle at 380 E. Sunbridge Drive and officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived, the release said.
Police later discovered Tillman had felony warrants out of Washington and Pope counties for drug charges, as well as a felony warrant for parole violation from the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, the release said.