OCTOBER 17, 2021

The Arkansas State Police has been asked to investigate an incident involving a Pine Bluff police officer who shot a gunman encountered by the officer outside a downtown party site where gunfire had erupted minutes earlier.

Pine Bluff authorities contacted the state police Criminal Investigation Division shortly after 1 AM today requesting the investigation.

A local police officer responding to the sound of gunshots coming from 820 South Main Street encountered a man holding a gun exiting the Sahara Shriner’s Temple.  Inside the location eight people had already sustained gunshot wounds.

The officer directed gunfire at the unknown man who was later identified as Duane A. Everett, 24, of Eudora (Chicot County).  Everett was wounded and transported to a hospital for medical attention, then later released.

State police special agents are attempting to determine why Everett was armed and what he may know about the shootings that occurred prior to the arrival of Pine Bluff police.

The Arkansas State Police is not involved in the investigation of the shooting inside the Shriner’s temple.

Agents are preparing an investigative file related specifically to the officer involved shooting.  It will be used by the Jefferson County prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Questions relating to the identity of the Pine Bluff police officer or the officer’s administrative status, should be directed to the Pine Bluff Police Department.