HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) —The Hot Springs Police Department is asking the public to avoid the downtown area until further notice after a reported shooting took place between an officer and a suspect.
Office Jonathan Smith is reported to be in stable condition while the suspect has been airlifted to a nearby hospital.
The HSPD is on the scene of an officer involved shooting in the 500 block of Central Avenue.
An officer and the suspect have been shot.
We are asking that the public avoid the area until further notice.
We ask for everyone’s patience and prayers in this situation. pic.twitter.com/WuAVUFecPE
— Hot Springs PD (AR) (@HotSpringsPD) July 28, 2019
Hot Springs Police Department Cpl. Joey Williams says an officer responded to a call of a disorderly person with a possible firearm and made contact with the suspect. Williams says that during the encounter, the officer and the suspect were both shot and taken to an area hospital, the AP reports.
A post on the Police Department's Twitter account Sunday afternoon said that Officer Smith is reported to be in stable condition, but the condition of the suspect was not immediately available.
Update on officer involved shooting.
Officer First Class Jonathan Smith #153 suffered two gunshot wounds this afternoon. He is in stable condition and is expected to be released from a local hospital later today.
We appreciate everyone’s continued thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/zKR8rGtwJP
— Hot Springs PD (AR) (@HotSpringsPD) July 28, 2019