Arkansas police officer dead, another injured in shootout with suspect
(Photos: KATV/Pine Bluff Police Dept.)
PINE BLUFF, Ark. - An Arkansas police officer was fatally shot and another was wounded Monday during a shooting at a motel, authorities said.
Three Pine Bluff police officers responded to an Econo Lodge motel around 12:05 p.m. to conduct an ongoing investigation when a shootout occurred with a suspect, Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant told reporters at a news briefing.
Two officers were shot during the chaos.
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The deceased officer was identified as 35-year-old Kevin Collins, a five-year veteran of the department. Another officer -- Lt. Raff Issac, who has been with the department for 20 years -- was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He was listed in stable condition.
A third officer involved was not injured. Calls to the police department from Fox News were not returned.
All three officers were assigned to the department's violent crimes unit.
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"We're hurting," Sergeant said. "We have lost a family member today. I can tell you, at his heart, being a police officer is what Kevin wanted to do."
The officers were part of an ongoing investigation at the motel, Sergeant said without elaborating on what led up to the shooting. Multiple suspects were reportedly taken into police custody.
The Arkansas State Police and other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI are assisting with the investigation.
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Gov. Asa Hutchinson tweeted he was saddened to hear of Collins' death.
"Our prayers are with the officer's family, the Pine Bluff Police Department and the law enforcement community," he wrote.