A domestic disturbance call to 1004 West School Street in Ozark (Franklin County) has ended in an officer involved shooting. Ozark Police received the call for help and dispatched an officer to the home around 10:19 PM last night (January 2, 2018).
Ozark Police Chief Devin Bramlett has asked Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to conduct an investigation of the shooting incident.
Witnesses reported that Ronald Elliot, age 49, was armed with a gun and had locked himself inside his bedroom.
Prior to an Ozark police officer arriving at the home, a woman had entered the bedroom in an attempt to disarm Elliot.
When the local police officer entered the bedroom, witnesses heard the officer instruct Elliot to put down the gun, followed by the sound of a gunshot.
Elliot was taken to an Ozark hospital where he died. His body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to collect forensic evidence and confirm the manner and cause of death.
Inquiries relating to the identity of the Ozark police officer who fired his weapon or his current administrative status should be directed to the Ozark Police Department.
The state police investigative file will be turned-over to the Franklin County prosecuting attorney to consider whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.