UPDATE AUG 8, 2022
The Benton Police Department (BNPD) is still investigating an incident that resulted in an officer-involved shooting on Sunday, July 24, 2022, around 8:15 p.m.
The officer, Brian Franklin, did not suffer injuries. He continues to be on paid administrative leave, pending results of the internal investigation and prosecutor review.
A traffic stop that began near Cox and Edison resulted in a pursuit which ended in the 2000 block of Kay Road. The suspect, 42-year-old William Whitfield of Benton, succumbed to injuries sustained in the encounter and was pronounced deceased shortly after.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information can contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5947 or 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent by texting “BENTONPD plus your message” to 847411, or via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play.
UPDATE JULY 25, 2022
The Benton Police Department (BNPD) is continuing its investigation following an incident that resulted in an officer-involved shooting just after 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A traffic stop that began near Cox and Edison resulted in a pursuit which ended in the 2000 block of Kay Road.
The suspect, William Whitfield, age 42, of Benton, succumbed to injuries sustained in the encounter and was pronounced deceased shortly after. The involved officer did not suffer injuries and is on paid administrative leave pending results of the internal investigation.
This investigation remains ongoing. Additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information can contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5947 or 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent by texting “BENTONPD plus your message” to 847411, or via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play.
PREVIOUSLY JULY 24, 2022
The Benton Police Department is investigating an incident resulting in an officer-involved shooting that occurred just after 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
According to emergency radio transmissions, there was a pursuit that went from Highway 35 to Bennett Rd to Kay Rd, where the subject stopped and shots were fired. The dispatch communication stated the suspect was shot in the chest.
The suspect in the incident is deceased, according to BNPD. The identity of the suspect is not being released until next-of-kin has been notified. The officer that was involved did not suffer injuries. This investigation is ongoing; additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information can contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5947 or 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent by texting “BENTONPD plus your message” to 847411, or via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play.
