June 24, 2025
COTTON PLANT, Ark. — The First Judicial Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has concluded that the use of deadly force by a Cotton Plant Police Department (CPPD) officer was justified in the shooting of a Missouri man.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., CPPD responded to a shooting in the 300 block of Rush Street. During the incident, Michael Crenshaw, 21, of Missouri, shot Linzy Motton, 65, of Cotton Plant and then fled the scene on foot. The suspect, Crenshaw, was later found walking north on Main Street by a CPPD officer. Motton arrived on Main Street, which led to a physical altercation between the two men. During the confrontation, Crenshaw held a weapon to Motton’s head.
A CPPD officer discharged his weapon, striking Crenshaw.
At the request of the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Special Agents investigated the shooting and presented a case file to the Woodruff County Prosecuting Attorney, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.
In a letter to the Arkansas State Police on Monday, June 23, 2025, Woodruff County Deputy Prosecutor Bell stated, “The officer responded appropriately and heroically to a dangerous situation, and his actions undoubtedly prevented further bloodshed.”