LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) — A Baxter County Sheriff's deputy, Craig Gates, shot and killed 50-year-old Michael LaVelle Holliman on March 19 in the Lone Rock area of Baxter County.
Gates conducted a traffic stop at 6:49 p.m. of the suspect on a tractor that matched the description of one stolen earlier in the day. At 6:51 p.m., Gates called in a shots-fired call and reported a man down.
Preliminary information alleges that Holliman confronted Gates with a crossbow and the two entered into a physical struggle. During the struggle, Gates shot Holliman with his sidearm. Holliman was killed and Gates sustained minor injuries.
Holliman had an extensive criminal history and appeared to be living at a campsite along a forestry road. The investigation has revealed that Holliman has an arrest history in Missouri, California, Iowa and Texas. He has been previously convicted of armed robbery, grand theft and assault.
Gates has been a deputy in Baxter County since 2015, having worked at another law enforcement agency for a year prior to that.
An investigation is being conducted by the Arkansas State Police.