The Arkansas State Police is investigating the use of deadly force by the Rector Police Department after shooting a suspect gunman at a convenience store on Wednesday.
According to state police, Rector police officers shot 21-year-old Gary Warbritton of Rector at a local convenience located at Main Street and U.S.-49 after an armed conflict.
At 3:47 p.m., the Rector Police Department received a call of a man walking along Main Street brandishing a firearm, according to police. As officers arrived, Warbritton reportedly pointed the gun at a police officer, police say, and that officer fired his gun at Warbritton, who fled the area.
Police caught up with Warbritton at the convenience store and officers attempted to persuade Warbritton to drop the firearm, police say. According to police, Warbritton aimed his gun at police, which drew one officer to fire his weapon. Warbritton was pronounced dead at the scene and no police were injured.
According to state police, Warbritton’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to identify the manner and cause of death and collect forensic evidence.
Special agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the use of deadly force, and will prepare an investigative file to turn over to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force by police was consistent with Arkansas laws.
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