July 20, 2025
WICKES, Ark. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to assist with an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday July 19, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m. at a home on County Road 14, in Wickes.
A Grannis Police Department (GPD) officer was responding to a request for assistance at the residence related to an eviction. When the GPD officer approached the residence in his patrol vehicle, Darrin Laudermilk, 65, reportedly walked onto the driveway holding a pistol, firing the weapon. The officer returned fire, striking Laudermilk. The Polk County Coroner declared Laudermilk dead at the scene.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where official manner and cause of death will be determined.
ASP CID Special Agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Polk County Prosecutor, who will determine whether the lethal use of force was consistent with Arkansas law.