March 16, 2026

AUGUSTA, Ark. – At the request of the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Augusta and resulted in the death of a Franklin man.

At 4:13 a.m., WCSO deputies responded to a residence in the 1100 block of White Drive to assist officers with the Augusta Police Department with a disturbance. During the incident, a WCSO deputy discharged his weapon, striking the 45-year-old suspect.

The suspect, Randy Ealy of Franklin, died at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the cause and manner of death.

CID agents will prepare and present a case file to the Woodruff County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the use of lethal force was consistent with Arkansas law.

The investigation is ongoing.