Ark. Sheriff's Deputy Shot, Killed in Line of Duty

Jan. 3, 2024

Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Smith was fatally shot while trying to serve a warrant at a Mountain View home, and a suspect was arrested after a brief standout.

Source Officer.com News

Joe Vince

An Arkansas deputy was fatally shot while serving a warrant Tuesday, and a suspect was taken into custody after a brief standoff.

Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Smith had gone to the Mountain View home of Clinton Hefton at around 4:30 p.m. in order to serve a warrant for misdemeanor terroristic threatening, according to the Magnolia Reporter. Hefton opened fire, and Smith was fatally struck.

More officers responded to a call of shots fired, and a standoff ensued with Hefton. The suspect eventually was arrested, and he is being, pending an arraignment.

The Arkansas State Police has been asked by Sheriff Brandon Long to investigate the shooting. Long asked for prayers for the family, friends and colleagues of the slain deputy.

Col. Mike Hagar with the state police asked that the sheriff's office be given support and to "give Sheriff Long and the Stone County community the time and space they need to process this devastating moment."

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.