APRIL 29, 2022

State police special agents are continuing their investigation today following an overnight officer involved shooting incident that left Nickalous Reed Jones, 24, of Memphis wounded and hospitalized.  Initial reports to agents assigned to the case indicate the gunshot wound to Jones is not life-threatening.

At approximately 8:20 PM (April 28th), the West Memphis Police Department was notified of a theft at the Family Dollar Store, located at 2113 East Broadway.

While responding to the initial call, West Memphis police spotted a suspect believed to be involved in the store theft while walking near the intersection of 18th and Broadway.

The suspect, later identified as Jones, fled on-foot from the officers.  As the officers attempted to catch-up, Jones reportedly fired a handgun at the officers who were not injured, but at least one officer returned gunfire causing a leg wound to Jones.

Jones was apprehended and transported to a Memphis hospital.

West Memphis police authorities have requested the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to conduct an investigation of the officer’s use of deadly force.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case fille will be turned-over to the Crittenden County prosecuting attorney who will decide whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Inquiries related to the identity of the West Memphis police officers or administrative status of the officers should be directed to the West Memphis Police Department.