The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is investigating a shooting incident involving a Mountain Home police officer and a bail bondsman.
Kevin Lee Donovan, 41, of Adrian, Mo. remains hospitalized in Springfield, Mo. and is reported to be in critical condition, the ASP said in a Wednesday morning statement.
Donovan was shot and wounded by a Mountain Home police officer late Tuesday after the suspect allegedly pointed a gun and fired at a bail bondsman. The incident occurred outside two Mountain Home businesses in the 800 block of U.S. Highway 62.
Neither the Mountain Home police officer nor the bail bondsman were injured.
Mountain Home police authorities requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the incident.
Donovan was wanted in Missouri on charges of possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful use of a weapon. A bail bondsman had located Donovan in Mountain Home and called local police to assist him in taking Donovan into custody.
When the bondsman and police officer confronted Donovan about 7:30 p.m. outside a convenience store, authorities say Donovan brandished a gun and began to back away. As the standoff moved off the store parking lot, Donovan raised the gun and fired at the bondsman, the statement said. The Mountain Home officer then fired, wounding Donovan.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division will continue their work Wednesday questioning witnesses and submitting evidence to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
An investigative case file will be prepared by state police special agents and turned over to the Baxter County prosecuting attorney who will consider the findings to determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.
Questions relating to the identity of the Mountain Home police officer or the administrative status of the officer should be directed to the Mountain Home Police Department, the ASP said.
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