The Arkansas State Police says the Polk County Sheriff’s Department has asked them to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred on May 19 and regards one of their deputies.
40-year-old Rickey Looney was shot during a domestic disturbance that had been reported just before 10:00 p.m. at 108 Majesty Lane in Mena.
State law enforcement says that deputies initially responded to Looney’s residence after a woman reported she had accidentally shot Looney with a pistol as he tried to prevent her from leaving following an argument.
According to state police, Looney asked the deputies to leave and reportedly pointed a gun at one of the deputies, who was about to enter the home.
Looney was transported to a local hospital where he later died, state police say.
Special agents from the state police’s criminal investigation division are investigating the use of force by the deputy and will present their conclusions to the Polk County prosecuting attorney, who will then decide whether the use of deadly force was consistent with state laws.
Looney’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where a cause and manner of death will be determined.