Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Police investigate officer-involved shooting in Helena-West Helena, suspect identified


Arkansas State Police are investigating after an officer-involved shooting in Helena-West Helena early Thursday morning. (Mayor Kevin Smith){ }
Arkansas State Police are investigating after an officer-involved shooting in Helena-West Helena early Thursday morning. (Mayor Kevin Smith)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Arkansas State Police are investigating after an officer-involved shooting in Helena-West Helena early Thursday morning.

Authorities say a resident in the 100 block of Caney Creek Road called a local ambulance company reporting that someone inside the home appeared to be in medical distress. The caller also said the person was armed with a gun.

According to the report, when police and the ambulance arrived at the residence they encountered Markel Barrow, 35, who was 'brandishing' a pistol and pointing it at officials.

A Helena-West Helena police officer reportedly ordered Barrow to drop the gun, however he refused to comply and was shot by police.

Barrow was transported to a Memphis hospital where he is said to be in stable condition.

Helena-West-Helena Mayor Kevin Smith released a statement on his Facebook page following the shooting saying the officer was unharmed in the altercation.

This makes the second officer-involved shooting in eastern Arkansas in a week.

An officer shot and killed a man in Blytheville after responding to a disturbance at a convenience store late Sunday night.

Loading ...