September 4, 2025
FORT SMITH, Ark. — At the request of the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has initiated an investigation into the death of Christopher Cody Burns, 41, of Fort Smith, who died while in FSPD custody.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, FSPD officers responded to calls about a crashed vehicle on 62nd Street near Life.Church. Burns was driving the vehicle, which had been reported stolen earlier that day. After the wreck, witnesses said Burns fled into the church, where he caused a disturbance. Church staff restrained the suspect until FSPD officers arrived and took him into custody.
When arresting officers arrived at Sebastian County Detention Center, they found Burns unresponsive in the patrol vehicle. Officers attempted life saving measures and notified paramedics, who transported Burns to Baptist Health – Fort Smith, where he was pronounced deceased.
ASP CID is investigating the circumstances surrounding Burns’s death and will present their findings to the Sebastian County prosecuting attorney for review upon completion of the investigation.