A Jacksonville man died following a chaotic scene at a Searcy service station on Tuesday afternoon, where witnesses say he fired several shots before being struck by police gunfire.
The Arkansas State Police launched an investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting at the request of the Searcy Police Department. The incident unfolded around 2:15 p.m. at the gas station, near the intersection of Maple Street and Holmes Road.
According to authorities, officers were dispatched to the business on a disturbance call. Upon arrival, they encountered reports that a suspect — later identified as Cordney Sherod Stewart, 38 — had been discharging a weapon both inside and outside the establishment.
During the encounter, a Searcy officer fired his weapon, striking Stewart. Stewart received immediate medical attention on-site and was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No officers were injured.
The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory will perform an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
The case now rests with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Once the investigation concludes, the file will be forwarded to the White County prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force complied with state law.
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