MARCH 1, 2021
A 46 year-old Franklin County man wielding a baseball bat was shot and killed this morning after reportedly charging toward a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy. The incident occurred shortly after 1 AM at 3522 Adams Road, west of Ozark.
The deputy had been dispatched to investigate a burglary in progress at the home where a resident reported a window had been broken and a person was attempting to enter. Outside the house a car window had also been shattered.
After arriving at the home, the deputy encountered Adam Cunningham walking in the driveway and holding a baseball bat. The deputy ordered Cunningham to drop the bat. Cunningham refused the order and began to advance toward the deputy who fired his gun striking Cunningham.
The sheriff’s deputy was not injured.
Cunningham’s body along with other evidence collected from the scene has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. The state medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death.
Questions relating to the identity of the deputy and duty status should be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident and will prepare an investigative file to be provided to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.