Officer Donna Lesher and Detective Tabitha McCrillis were placed on administrative leave after the Dec. 9 shooting death of 67-year-old Eugene Ellison.

Police say the officers were working off-duty security detail at the Big Country Chateau apartments when they saw Ellison's door open and went to see if he needed help.

Lt. Terry Hastings said Ellison attacked the officers with a heavy wooden cane. The officers used pepper spray twice on Ellison, who had a history of mental illness.

Lesher then shot him in the chest.

Hastings says the department is investigating whether the killing was justified. The Arkansas State Police declined a request to look into the matter.

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