STONE COUNTY, Ark. — A Stone County sheriff's deputy was fatally shot while on duty Tuesday around 4:30 p.m.
According to Arkansas State Police, Stone County Deputy Justin Smith was serving a warrant for 52-year-old Clinton Hefton at a home on Sawmill Road for terroristic threatening when he reportedly resisted arrest and fired at Smith.
Police said officers found Smith to be "mortally wounded" when they responded to the report of shots fired.
After a brief standoff, Hefton was taken into custody and brought to the Cleburne County Detention Center. He is being charged with capital murder.
Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long is asking that "prayers be lifted for family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer."
"We ask that members of the media please give Sheriff Long and the Stone community the time and space they need to process this devastating moment," Hagar said. "Let us all give the Stone County Sheriff's Office our steadfast support."
The public is invited to visit a temporary tribute to Smith in the Mountain View Courthouse Square.
At 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a procession will depart from the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock and continue to Mountain View.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
