Law officers shoot, kill Faulkner County, Arkansas man after pursuit Sunday

Law officers opened fire on a man who reportedly had a gun early Sunday in Faulkner County, killing the man who had allegedly fled a traffic stop, the Arkansas State Police report.

Scotty Helton, 53, of Faulkner County, was shot and killed after a pursuit that sped through Conway and on rural county roads.

Faulkner County Sheriff's deputies tried to stop Helton as he allegedly drove recklessly and erratically about 1 a.m., according to state police.

Helton did not stop the vehicle, and deputies were joined by Conway police officers as the pursuit went along State Highway 89. State troopers joined the pursuit and set out spike strips on SH 89.

With deflated tires, Helton's vehicle struck a concrete curb at SH 89 and Interstate 40, where the vehicle stopped.

Helton brandished a gun, and three state troopers and one Mayflower police officer opened fire with their weapons. Helton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Special Agents from the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are probing the use of deadly force by the officers involved.

The investigative case file will be submitted to a prosecuting attorney who will decide whether the use of deadly force was consistent with state laws, state police report.

Consistent with Arkansas State Police policy, three state troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues. The Mayflower Police Department will determine whether to release the identity of their officer involved and the officer's administrative status, state police report.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas troopers shoot and kill man Sunday