William James Beck, 41, of Shirley (Van Buren County) died Sunday evening (June 9, 2019) during a reported exchange of gunfire with Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputies.

  Authorities within the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department have requested Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to conduct a use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer investigation.
  The deputies were dispatched about 10:40 PM to a disturbance at 205 Hazel Avenue.  They entered the home and were allegedly met with gunfire and returned fire both inside and outside the home.
  Beck’s body was later discovered inside the house.  A gun found near the body was also recovered.  The body and other evidence have been turned-over to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.  A manner and cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner.
  Once the investigation is completed, the Arkansas State Police will submit the case file to Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney to consider whether the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws relating to use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.
  Questions relating to the identity of the deputies and their current administrative status should be directed to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.