NEWPORT, Ark. (KFSM) – A police officer was shot and killed in Newport, Arkansas on Monday night (June 12), according to Arkansas State Police.
A suspect has been arrested and more information will be released Tuesday, police said.
Lt. Patrick Weatherford, 41, was shot near Remmel Park in Newport while on-duty. Weatherford was a 15-year veteran of the Newport Police Department.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said in a statement Monday night, “Lt. Weatherford was known for routinely preventing incidents and altercations from escalating into crisis, and I have no doubt that Lt. Weatherford began his watch today with the same mission to protect and serve the community he loved so much.”
Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin also said in a statement, “This heart-breaking tragedy is a sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in law enforcement face each and every day when they put on their uniforms to protect and serve our communities.”
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the shooting.
