October 24, 2025

WICKES, Ark. — Eighteenth West Judicial District Prosecutor Debra Buschman has concluded that the use of lethal force by an officer from the Grannis Police Department (GPD) was justified in the death of Darrin Laudermilk, 65, of Wickes.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 19, 2025, at a residence on County Road 14.

The GPD officer was responding to a request for assistance regarding an eviction at the home. As the officer approached the residence in his patrol vehicle, Laudermilk emerged onto the driveway holding a pistol and fired the weapon. In response, the officer returned fire, striking Laudermilk. The Polk County Coroner pronounced Laudermilk dead at the scene.

ASP CID Special Agents submitted an investigative file to the Polk County Prosecutor, who determined that the use of lethal force was consistent with Arkansas law.

In her letter to ASP, Buschman stated, “The investigation established that the officer was lawfully present on the property when Mr. Laudermilk confronted him with a firearm and fired first. Physical evidence confirmed a spent casing from Mr. Laudermilk’s weapon, and witness accounts, dispatch records, and nearby surveillance audio corroborate the officer’s account. The use of deadly force was therefore justified in self-defense and in the performance of official duties.”