January 3, 2024
Mountain View (Ark.) — On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m. Stone County Deputy Justin Smith was fatally wounded while attempting to serve suspect Clinton Hefton, 52, with a misdemeanor Terroristic Threatening warrant at a home in the 300 block of Sawmill Road.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is investigating the incident. While the investigation is in its preliminary stage, early evidence indicates that Hefton resisted arrest and fired on Deputy Smith, who was found mortally wounded by officers who responded to reports of shots fired.
Officers responding to the home, located about 5 miles north of Mountain View, took Hefton into custody after a brief standoff.
Hefton is being held at the Cleburne County Detention Center with charges pending.
ASP will release information as it becomes available.
“At this time, we ask that everyone pray for Deputy Smith’s family and all of his law enforcement brothers and sisters,” said Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long.
Details of Deputy Smith’s memorial arrangements will be released upon completion. The public is invited to visit a temporary tribute to Deputy Smith in the Mountain View courthouse square.
A procession will depart the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory on Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock at 1 p.m. and proceed to Mountain View.