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Police Arrest Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Arkansas Officer

Patrick Weatherford
Newport Police Department

Authorities say they've arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of a police officer in northeast Arkansas.

Arkansas State Police say Lt. Patrick Weatherford died at a hospital Monday night after he was shot during a traffic stop in Newport, about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock.

Newport police told Jonesboro television station KAIT that a person is in custody, and more information will be released later Tuesday morning. Police say Weatherford was assisting another officer with a traffic stop when he was shot.

Weatherford was a 15-year veteran of the Newport Police Department and was named the Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2016.

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said:

I was saddened to hear that Lt. Patrick Weatherford was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday afternoon. Lt. Weatherford's 15-year career at the Newport Police Department demonstrates his bravery, selflessness and commitment to serving his community. He will be remembered for his courage and dedication to serve and protect the people in and around the Newport area. We are forever indebted to men and women like Lt. Weatherford, who put their lives on the line every day to keep others safe. Our hearts go out to his family, the law enforcement community and the Newport Police Department during this difficult time.

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