The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division has been requested to investigate a shooting incident overnight which left one man dead and a Bryant Police Officer wounded.
Bryant Police responded to a burglar alarm at the Fred’s Store at 3395 State Highway 5 about 11 PM (Tuesday, April 2nd). The first officer arriving at the store encountered an individual inside a fenced area along the west side of the building.
As a second officer approached the store, an exchange of gunfire occurred between a suspect inside the fence and the fist officer.
The first officer was wounded during the gunfire and transported to a Little Rock hospital where the officer was treated and released. The suspect was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at an area hospital.
The suspect has been identified as Thomas R. O'Dell, 41, of Trilla, Illinois and is believed to a murder fugitive wanted by Illinois authorities.
An investigation of the officer involved shooting is underway and a case file is being prepared for consideration by the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney to determine if deadly force was used consistent with Arkansas law.
Questions with regard to the wounded officer’s identity and administrative status should be directed to the Bryant Police Department.