Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Fayetteville Deputies Involved in Shooting Identified

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the two deputies involved in a shooting incident that took place in the early hours of Sunday morning. The deputies have been identified as Cpl. Mason Bailey and Cpl. Seth Coker.

Cpl. Bailey has served with the Sheriff’s Office for over five years, while Cpl. Coker has been a member of the force for almost four years, according to an official news release from the Sheriff’s Office. Both deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Arkansas State Police.

The incident occurred when the two deputies responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute in progress at 11321 Jim Hall Road, near Prairie Grove. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that as the deputies approached the residence, they were confronted by a 46-year-old man identified as Ismael Fernandez. Fernandez allegedly aimed a handgun at the deputies, prompting them to fire their weapons in self-defense. Fortunately, neither deputy sustained any injuries during the incident.

Ismael Fernandez was struck by gunfire at least once, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Cindy Murphy, communications director for the State Police, stated that Fernandez was shot twice but is expected to recover.

Following the shooting, the two deputies provided immediate medical assistance to Fernandez until the arrival of an ambulance from Central Emergency Services. Fernandez was subsequently transported to Washington Regional Medical Center for further medical treatment.

Due to the gravity of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office has requested the Arkansas State Police to conduct a thorough investigation. In addition, an internal review will be carried out to ensure compliance with Sheriff’s Office protocols and procedures.

The State Police have confirmed that the findings of their investigation will be handed over to the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office upon completion. It will be the responsibility of the prosecuting attorney to determine whether the deputies’ use of deadly force was in accordance with Arkansas law, as stated in the State Police’s press release.

Cindy Murphy emphasized that there is currently no specific timeline for the conclusion of the investigation, as thoroughness and accuracy are of utmost importance.

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