FORT SMITH, Ark. — WARNING: Some of the details in this story are extremely graphic.
A grisly scene unfolded early Sunday in northwest Arkansas when a police officer fatally shot a man who cut the officer’s throat. The attack occurred as the officer attempted to arrest the man who was bludgeoning a 15-year-old boy with a rock in the front yard of a Fort Smith home.
Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker confirmed in a prepared statement delivered during an afternoon news conference that the officer, identified only as having been with the force for 16 months, is in stable condition at an area hospital following emergency surgery to repair “serious lacerations” to his throat and neck. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is protocol for all officer-involved shootings, Baker said, confirming that the officer appeared to be acting in self-defense when he fired his weapon twice at his assailant.
BREAKING: At least 3 people are dead in block of 2800 Tilles Ave. An FSPD officer fired his weapon defending himself from a knife attack and is in surgery at this time. The Arkansas State Police has been asked to investigate due to the matter being an officer-involved shooting. pic.twitter.com/CdAolEpKrO
— Fort Smith Police (@FortSmithPD) October 17, 2021
Specifically, Baker said the officer arrived at around 6:15 a.m. on the scene of a domestic disturbance reported by a caller to find Christofer Conner, 40, “beating a 15-year-old male in the head with a rock.” The juvenile, later identified as Conner’s son, was pronounced dead at an area hospital, having sustained multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, Baker stated.
Following the fatal encounter with Conner, officers found another victim and evidence of a violent attack inside the Tilles Avenue home, KNWA reported.
Baker identified that victim as Julia Marie Moore, 42, who suffered multiple stab wounds.
A 5-year-old child was also found inside the home and is now in the custody of family members, KNWA reported.
The Arkansas State Police are investigating the attack as an officer-involved shooting, KHBS reported.
Please join me in prayer for the Fort Smith Officer who was injured in the line of duty this morning. We are grateful for our men and woman in blue who hold the line for all Arkansans. pic.twitter.com/VuY5ttX4GS
— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) October 17, 2021
Tragic news out of Fort Smith this morning. I’m praying for the @FortSmithPD officer’s full recovery & the community of Fort Smith. https://t.co/7sVBkDnXFN
— Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (@LtGovTimGriffin) October 17, 2021
Please check back for updates to this developing story.
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