ASP: Two dead, others wounded overnight in Cross County

A homicide in Parkin last night and the pursuit of a suspect that ended in a law enforcement stand-off with the suspect left two people dead and two wounded.  Among the wounded is Cross County Sheriff David West.

According to a release from the Arkansas State Police, Parkin police officers were called to a Smithdale Avenue address shortly before 9 p.m. 

Inside the local residence, officers found Shoron Selvy, 47, and Patricia Pepper, 55, both wounded from gunshots. State police say Selvy later died, and Pepper was transported to a Memphis hospital where she is listed in stable condition.

The release said a witness identified Darius Kirkwood, 20, leaving the residence before police arrived.  

A short time later, a Wynne police officer spotted Kirkwood traveling toward Wynne along U.S. Highway 64. The police officer attempted to stop the vehicle Kirkwood was driving at a high rate of speed and forcing other motorists from the highway.

Cross County sheriff’s deputies joined in the pursuit as Kirkwood continued through Wynne fleeing from law enforcement officers along U.S. Highway 1 toward Forrest City, later turning onto a county road before stopping.

Kirkwood ignored commands from deputies and police to exit the vehicle, according to the release. Officers then approached the vehicle in an attempt to forcibly remove Kirkwood, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Kirkwood died at the scene and Sheriff West sustained a non-life-threatening wound. He was transported to a Memphis hospital and released earlier today, according to state police.