The Arkansas State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Christmas Day in Independence County, just South of Batesville.
Around 7:25 AM, police say an Independence County Sheriff’s Deputy came into contact with an individual along Jamestown Road.
#3 year-old Joseph Garcia, of Mississippi, told the deputy he was armed and refused to comply with orders directed to him by the deputy.
Local and state law enforcement officers joined the deputy at the scene and at 11 AM, police say the man fired a gun at officers who returned fire. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination for manner and cause of death.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation into the stand-off and shooting.
