An eighteen year old suspect is being held in connection with the murder of Newport Police Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford.
At approximately 6 PM yesterday (Monday, June 12, 2017) Newport Police received information reporting a vehicle break-in near the area of Bowen Street and Newport Avenue.
Lieutenant Weatherford responded to the call and spotted an individual who fled the area.
A foot pursuit by Lieutenant Weatherford and other Newport officers entered a nearby residential area where the suspect allegedly turned and fired a gun at police. Lieutenant Weatherford was wounded by the gunfire and transported to a local hospital where he later died.
Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are working closely with Prosecuting Attorney Henry Boyce of the Third Judicial District. In the coming days special agents will present an investigative file to Prosecuting Attorney Boyce to use in making a determination of applicable charges in connection with the homicide.