A man was shot and killed after reportedly fleeing from and exchanging gunfire with Dallas County sheriff's deputies about 8:50 p.m. Sunday in Sparkman, according to an Arkansas State Police news release.
The sheriff's office has requested that the Arkansas State Police t investigate the death of Joel R. Weldon, 43, of Hot Spring County, who was shot by one of the deputies.
The two sheriff's deputies on patrol in Sparkman stopped Weldon in his truck. During the traffic stop, Weldon fled. Deputies pursued his truck north from Sparkman along Dallas County Road 232, according to the news release. During the pursuit, Weldon reportedly stopped and began firing a gun at the deputies and one deputy fired back.
The chase then continued along the county road with Weldon driving toward Dallas County Road 235. He later stopped on 235 and the deputies ordered himto show his hands, to which he did not comply, according to the news release.
Then, Weldon stepped from the truck, still armed, began walking away, and collapsed. The deputies began to give medical aid to him while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance.
Weldon was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the news release.
Neither sheriff's deputy was injured during the incident. Dallas County Sheriff Stan McGahee said Sunday afternoon that the office was not releasing the names or employment status of the deputies involved at this time.