The Arkansas State Police is continuing today with an investigation into an officer involved shooting incident that occurred shortly after 4 PM yesterday (*October 26th) outside a Pine Bluff business located at 2809 Camden Road.
Pine Bluff Police Department authorities requested state police special agents assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division lead the probe into the use of deadly force.
While the investigation has not been completed and remains in an active status, initial witness statements and evidence indicates Dustin Denton, 30, of Pine Bluff exited Immuno Tek Plasma Center brandishing a gun, then opened fire on police officers who had arrived at the business after being alerted to his location. Officers returned fire, wounding Denton who was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later transferred to a Little Rock hospital where he is recuperating.
No police officers were injured.
Denton was wanted on numerous criminal charges, among them, possession of a weapon by certain persons, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and parole violation. He was additionally being sought for questioning by local police investigating a homicide.
State police special agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Jefferson County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by police was consistent with Arkansas laws.
Questions related to the identity of any police officers involved in the incident and their administrative status should be directed to the Pine Bluff Police Department.