May 8, 2025

CONWAY, Ark. —  Twentieth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Carol Crews has determined that the use of lethal force by law enforcement in the March death of Joseph Blair, 41, of Faulkner County, was justified.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) issued a BOLO for Blair, who was wanted for absconding from the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) and was considered armed and dangerous. The FCSO and U.S. Marshals tracked Blair throughout the day.

Around 6:30 p.m., a DOC K-9 team located Blair, who was armed with a firearm, in a wooded area near the Solomon Grove Baptist Church in Faulkner County. DOC officers opened fire, fatally striking Blair. The Faulkner County Coroner pronounced him deceased at approximately 8:30 p.m.

FCSO requested that the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigate the shooting. ASP CID prepared an investigative file and submitted it to the prosecuting attorney.

In a letter to ASP dated April 21, 2025, Crews said that the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

“Mr. Blair was armed with a deadly weapon, and after telling the officers he would shoot them, he brandished a weapon,” Crews wrote in her letter. “The evidence in this case shows, by his own words, an intent on the part of Mr. Blair to engage in a deadly shootout with law enforcement. The actions taken by law enforcement were justified under Arkansas law, and no further action will be taken by this office.”