The Conway Police Department has asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate an officer involved shooting wherein a suspect allegedly shot an officer, which resulted in two officers returning fire.
State Police say that 35-year-old Nicholas Smith opened fire on officers during a traffic stop at College Avenue and Fairway drive at around 12:49 a.m. Sunday morning.
According to state police, police officers stopped Smith based on information related to an earlier residential disturbance in the area. Police say that Smith exited the vehicle and pulled the gun from his pants pocket and aimed at the officers and discharged his weapon.
The shot hit one leg of the officer. Police say that Smith retreated to the front of the vehicle where he was shot by police, according to police.
Special agents of the state police’s criminal investigation division will present an investigative file to the Faulkner County prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by the officers was consistent with state laws.
Smith’s body and evidence collected by the agents will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination and analysis.