Man shot in Farmington after shooting at police, setting fire to shed

 A shooting victim receives aid Friday at the intersection of Brown Street and Neal Street. Authorities responded early Friday evening to reports an armed man outside a building on fire in the 200 block of Brown Street in Farmington, said Kelley Cantrell, a spokeswoman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Smoke was seen in the area, and shots were heard shortly before the fire was extinguished. At least one person was put into an ambulance.
A shooting victim receives aid Friday at the intersection of Brown Street and Neal Street. Authorities responded early Friday evening to reports an armed man outside a building on fire in the 200 block of Brown Street in Farmington, said Kelley Cantrell, a spokeswoman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Smoke was seen in the area, and shots were heard shortly before the fire was extinguished. At least one person was put into an ambulance.

FARMINGTON -- Police shot and injured a man Friday evening after he fired a gun at officers, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Emergency personnel collect evidence Friday at the intersection of Brown Street and Neal Street. Authorities responded early Friday evening to reports of an armed man outside a building on fire in the 200 block of Brown Street in Farmington, said Kelley Cantrell, a spokeswoman for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, who wasn't identified, started a fire at a shed next to a house at 133 Neal St. about 5:07 p.m., according to Kelly Cantrell, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.

Farmington police went to the address and reported a man was outside the home with a pistol and a rifle. Washington County deputies arrived and about 5:14 p.m. the man approached the officers and fired one of the guns at them, Cantrell said.

The man held the pistol to his head several times while police negotiated with him to put down the weapons, Cantrell said.

About 6:05 p.m., the man raised his weapon and pointed it at the officers. Multiple officers, including deputies, shot him, Cantrell said.

The man was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center, Cantrell said. He was listed in serious condition Friday evening, according to Becky Stewart, Central EMS chief.

Firefighters then put out the fire, which had spread to the house. No one else was in the house, Cantrell said.

Washington County property records list Randolph and Alma Blecher as the property's owners. Court records show Alma Blecher on Friday filed a petition for an order of protection against Randolph Blecher on behalf of a minor.

Robert Benson, who lives in the neighborhood, said he ran toward the house when he saw the smoke. He said he saw a man with a pistol pointed at his chin approach police and disobey orders to stop. Benson said he saw an officer with a stun gun get near the man. The man and the officer moved and a truck then blocked Benson's view. Benson said he then heard gunshots.

The Arkansas State Police is conducting a criminal investigation of the incident, while the Sheriff's Office will conduct an internal investigation to determine if departmental policies and procedures were followed, Cantrell said.

The Washington County Fire Marshal's Office is also conducting an investigation involving the circumstances surrounding the fire, Cantrell added.

Officers from Fayetteville and Goshen also were at the scene.

The name of the suspect and names of the deputies involved will be released later, Cantrell said.

NW News on 06/25/2016

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