July 3, 2025
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Sixth Judicial Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has concluded that the use of deadly force by officers was justified in a March shooting that resulted in the death of a Jacksonville man.
Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman, 23, of Jacksonville, died in the incident, which occurred on March 24, 2025, in the 7900 block of Baseline Road in Little Rock.
Officers with a U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern Arkansas task force attempted to arrest Larry-Purdiman for multiple outstanding felony warrants out of Pulaski County. As task force officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Larry-Purdiman, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Larry-Purdiman opened fire on officers as he fled, and officers returned fire. He succumbed to injuries behind a business across Baseline Road.
No civilians were injured during the incident. No law enforcement officers were hurt by gunfire, but one officer was injured during the pursuit. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Special Agents investigated the shooting and presented a case file to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.
In a letter to the ASP dated July 2, 2025, Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones stated, “After reviewing the information, this office concludes that the … officers were justified in their use of deadly force, and it is our opinion that no further review of this matter is necessary.”
