November 12, 2025

COAL HILL, Ark. — On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Coal Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division in connection with a shooting incident at the Coal Hill City Park.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., ASP Troopers and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to the scene. An officer with the Coal Hill Police Department (CHPD) had discovered Kenneth E. Michaels, 68, of Clarksville, deceased.

Colton Contant, 25, of Coal Hill, was identified as the suspected shooter and was observed fleeing the area. Around 4 p.m., Contant was taken into custody by CHPD, JCSO and ASP without further incident. He was transported to the Johnson County Detention Center and booked on charges of First-Degree Murder.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains active and ongoing.