A Rector man was shot and killed by local police today outside a convenience store located at Main Street and U.S. Highway 49.
The suspect gunman involved in the armed conflict with police has been identified as Gary Warbritton, 21, of Rector.
At 3:47 PM the Rector Police Department was notified of a man walking along Main Street brandishing a firearm. As police arrived in the area, the suspect, now identified as Warbritton, reportedly pointed the gun at a police officer who fired his gun at Warbritton.
Warbritton fled the area and led police to the convenience store where officers reportedly attempted to persuade him to drop the firearm. Warbritton, again, pointed his gun at police, prompting one officer to fire his gun. Warbritton was pronounced dead at the scene. Police were not injured.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the use of deadly force by police. An investigative file will be prepared and turned-over to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force by police was consistent with Arkansas laws.
Questions that may relate to the identity of the officers involved in the shooting, or their administrative status, should be directed to the Rector Police Department.
Warbritton’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes to identify the manner and cause of death and collect forensic evidence.