CLARKSVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Gov. Asa Hutchinson and hundreds of law enforcement officers from across Arkansas have gathered in Clarksville to honor the service of a slain reserve deputy.
Family, friends and co-workers of 42-year-old Sonny Smith spoke Wednesday about his compassion and dedication to the community.
Authorities say Smith, a reserve deputy for the Johnson County sheriff’s office, was one of several officers who responded to a burglary call around 1 a.m. on May 15.
During a search of a wooded area near the burglarized residence, Smith confronted a suspect and was fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire.
Formal charges are pending against the suspect, who’s being held without bail. Prosecutors say they plan to file a capital murder charge against him next week.
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