Ark. deputy fatally shot while serving warrant

Deputy Justin Smith was shot multiple times while serving a warrant to a man suspected of misdemeanor terroristic threatening

January 03, 2024 10:14 AM

lights-police-car — Sheriff Brandon Long has stated that more information will be released as it becomes available, and asked that “prayers be lifted for family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer.”

By Joanna Putman
Police1

STONE COUNTY, Ark. — A deputy has been shot and killed in the line of duty, KARK reported.

Deputy Justin Smith was killed while trying to serve a warrant at the home of Clinton Hefton, 52, according to the report. Hefton was suspected of misdemeanor terroristic threatening.

Early analysis by the Arkansas State Police suggests that Hefton resisted arrest and fired at Smith. Smith was found with fatal injuries by other deputies who were responding to calls of shots fired, according to the report.

Hefton was found in his home and was taken into custody following a brief standoff. He is being held in jail without bond, facing a charge of capital murder.

“At this time, we ask that everyone pray for Deputy Smith’s family and all of his law enforcement brothers and sisters,” Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long stated. Long said more details on the shooting will be released as they become available.