October 25, 2024

NEWPORT, Ark. — Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Devon Holder has determined that Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers were justified in using deadly force in the October 11, 2024, shooting death of Isaiah Cross, 50, of Blossom, Texas.

Cross died after leading Troopers on a high-speed pursuit on U.S. Highway 67 in Jackson County on Friday, October 11, 2024, around 9:41 a.m.

ASP troopers initiated the pursuit to stop Cross, who had been driving aggressively towards a marked ASP unit while traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph northbound between Newport and Bradford in Jackson County.

Troopers managed to stop Cross near the 80-mile marker on U.S. 67 South, which led to a standoff. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office closed a portion of the highway while ASP crisis negotiators worked with Cross to resolve the situation peacefully. Despite orders to exit the vehicle, Cross refused and threatened officers, claiming he had a weapon. About 30 minutes later, Cross fled the scene, driving south in the northbound lane at speeds exceeding 100 mph for approximately 10 miles into heavy oncoming traffic.

Troopers employed deadly force to stop Cross, firing at him when there was a gap in traffic. The suspect vehicle ran off the roadway into the ditch, where it caught fire.

Two Troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.