FARMINGTON (KFSM) — The Washington County prosecutor notified Arkansas State Police Wednesday (July 20) that no charges were warranted against the deputies and officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man in Farmington on June 24.
Law enforcement officers from Farmington, Washington County, Fayetteville, Johnson and Goshen were called to Neal Street in Farmington just after 5 p.m. after a man had set part of his property on fire and would not let first responders near it.
The suspect was identified as Randy Blecher and responding officers determined he was armed with a handgun and a shotgun, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Blecher had pointed one of his guns at first responders and then continued to hold one of the guns to his chin or his head, the sheriff’s office said.
Officers took cover behind a Farmington officer’s truck. Blecher made conversation with each of the officers, but refused to put down his weapon saying he was not going to prison, according to the sheriff’s office. Officers attempted to negotiate with Blecher, but to no avail.
Officers noticed Blecher would lower the gun and take his finger off the trigger every time he would turn his back. They deployed a taser, but it did not incapacitate Blecher, the sheriff’s office said.
Blecher then retreated and dropped his shotgun, but pointed the handgun at officers, according to the sheriff’s office. That’s when deputies and a Goshen officer fired at Blecher hitting him several times in the legs and torso, the sheriff’s office said.
Firefighters were then able to move int to put out the fire Blecher had started.
Blecher was later pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office determined the officers on scene used incredible restraint as they attempted to reason with Blecher to end the situation peacefully.
Arkansas State Police also investigated the shooting and handed their investigation findings over to Washington County Prosecutor Matt Durrett, who determined that no charges would be filed against any of the officers involved in the shooting.
