FORT SMITH, Ark., Aug. 11 (UPI) — A Sebastian County, Ark., deputy sheriff was shot dead and a police chief was injured while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
Sebastian County Deputy Bill Cooper, a 15-year veteran and former U.S. Marine, was pronounced dead at a local hospital Wednesday. Hackett Chief of Police Darrell Spells was treated and released after being grazed in the forehead by a bullet.
The alleged gunman, Billy Monroe Jones, 34, was taken into custody following the shooting. Police had been called after Jones allegedly pointed a gun at his father. When officers arrived, Jones barricaded himself inside his father’s home.
“Immediately when three officers got [to the house] they were basically ambushed,” Sgt. Daniel Grubbs, of the Fort Smith Police Department, said. “The information we have received right now is it appears this guy was waiting for us to get here. It seems [he had] full intent to inflict violence against us.”
Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck said Cooper was “dynamic” and loved his job.
“He could’ve retired years ago. He loved this community so much he stayed on,” Hollenbeck said. “We have limited information as to why this has happened.” Hollenbeck said investigators are “looking into” the possibility it was a planned attack.
A Greenwood Police dog was also thought to have been shot in the incident. The dog ran away during the shooting and is still missing.
