LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — One man has died after being shot by a Little Rock police officer just after 8:00 p.m. at a Walmart Supercenter on Baseline Road.
The Little Rock Police Department said it was self-defense.
The incident happened on the night of New Year's Eve, and it all started when an off-duty officer identified as Kreshun King Sr. was working at the store and was asked to check on a possible theft.
"Walmart asset protection requested assistance in stopping an adult, white male," said LRPD Assistant Chief Joe Miller.
That man was identified by police as 30-year-old Benjamin McDaniel.
Police said that as the officer began to take McDaniel into custody, he began to resist. Chief Miller said that McDaniel pulled a knife on the officer and cut the officer's hand.
The officer then pulled out their gun and asked McDaniel to put down the knife.
"Mr. McDaniel advanced towards the officer at which time the officer discharged the weapon," said Chief Miller.
McDaniel was then taken to a hospital where he later died. The officer was treated for their injuries and is expected to be okay.
Officer King is on administrative leave pending the investigation. He has worked with LRPD since 2017.
