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Arkansas State K-9 Trooper killed in Mississippi Co. shooting, gunman also dies

An investigation continues after K-9 Officer Hemi with Arkansas State Police was killed during a shooting on July 30 in Mississippi County.

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) – An investigation continues in an Arkansas State Police shooting that left one K-9 officer dead.

It happened on July 30 at approximately 6:57 p.m. when an Arkansas State Trooper patrolling Interstate 55 in Mississippi County near the 56-mile marker encountered a vehicle that had earlier been identified as being pursued by Missouri law enforcement officers.

The driver, identified as 35-year-old James Edward Blackmon of St. Louis, was stopped by Arkansas State Troopers, at which point Blackmon exited the vehicle and fled toward farm property. Two state troopers and a Mississippi County Sherriff’s Deputy pursued Blackmon on foot.

At that time the trooper deployed his K-9 who caught up with Blackmon and made contact. Blackmon then fired a gun at K-9 Officer Hemi, killing him. After killing Hemi, Blackmon turned toward officers, engaging in a gunfight. He was apprehended at 7:11 p.m. and transported to an area hospital where he died on July 31.

Blackmon's body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the exact cause and manner of death. One state trooper sustained minor injuries during the course of the chase, not related to the gunfire.

Two Arkansas State Troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the state’s deadly force investigation.

The investigative file will be submitted to the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney to determine if the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws, specifically the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer.

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