HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Arkansas State Police arrived at the scene of an incident that happened on Monday night where a Hot Springs officer was shot.
Officer First Class Omar Cervantes with the Hot Springs Police Department said that the incident happened during an initial traffic stop along the 2000 block of Albert Pike Road.
Authorities said that the driver of the vehicle had a firearm and allegedly "opened fire on officers," which injured Officer Nicolas Cato.
From there, reports said that Officer Cato and Officer Alexander Lee returned fire at the suspect, striking the suspect multiple times.
Reports said that the suspect, 45-year-old Jody Lyn Lewis, was pronounced dead at the scene and Officer Cato was transported to a local hospital.
The Hot Springs Police Department said both officers were placed on administrative leave and that the investigation has now been turned over to Arkansas State Police.
Once Arkansas State Police concluded its investigation, a file was submitted to the Garland County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
The Prosecuting Attorney concluded that Officers Cato and Lee were justified in their use of deadly force and both officers have been released from administrative leave.
Officer Lee is scheduled to return to duty, while Officer Cato is expected to recover fully and will return to duty upon his medical release.