Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement following the death of Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Smith on Tuesday:
“The death of Deputy Smith is a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the risk involved with serving as a law enforcement officer. At the time of his murder, Deputy Smith was serving a misdemeanor warrant, a fundamental responsibility of policing. This tragedy demonstrates that danger is ever present for those who wear the badge. Deputy Smith paid the ultimate price while selflessly serving his community. I am grateful for and proud of the men and women who protect us every day and put themselves in harm’s way to preserve a peaceful society. My prayers are with Deputy Smith’s family and friends, the men and women of the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, and the residents of north-central Arkansas.
“I traveled to Stone County this morning to meet with Sheriff Brandon Long, his team, Secretary Mike Hagar, and Senator Missy Irvin, offering them my sincere sympathy and support. I will do everything I can to support the Stone County Sheriff’s Office in the coming days and weeks as they deal with this tragedy.”
Deputy Smith was shot and killed in the line of duty around 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 2. He was a 12-year veteran of the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and was serving a warrant on a suspect when he was killed. The Criminal Investigation Division of the Arkansas State Police is investigating the incident. While the investigation is in its preliminary stage, early evidence indicates that the suspect, Clinton Hefton, resisted arrest and fired on Deputy Smith, who was found mortally wounded by officers who responded to reports of shots fired. Hefton is being held at the Cleburne County Detention Center with charges pending.
Original source can be found here.