Arkansas Prosecutor Clears Officers in Joseph Blair Shooting

The March 2025 fatal shooting of Joseph Blair by law enforcement in Faulkner County , Arkansas has been ruled justified, according to the Twentieth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Carol Crews.

• Joseph Blair, 41, was wanted by the Arkansas Department of Corrections for escaping DOC supervision.
• A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued by the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office on March 6.
• Blair was considered armed and dangerous.
• Throughout the day, law enforcement, including FCSO and U.S. Marshals, tracked his movements.
• Around 6:30 PM, a DOC K-9 team located Blair in a wooded area near Solomon Grove Baptist Church.
• Blair was armed and reportedly threatened to shoot officers.
• DOC officers opened fire after Blair brandished a firearm, resulting in his death.
• Blair was pronounced dead at approximately 8:30 PM by the Faulkner County Coroner.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) conducted an independent investigation and submitted their findings to Crews.

In an April 21 letter, Crews said Blair’s threats and actions showed intent to engage in a deadly shootout with law enforcement.

“The actions taken by law enforcement were justified under Arkansas law, and no further action will be taken by this office,” Crews wrote.

For more information, click on the Arkansas State Police website.