Prosecutor: Deadly Force Justified in Gilmore Arkansas Shooting

A deadly officer-involved shooting in March of this year in Gilmore, Arkansas has been ruled justified by the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.

According to investigators, the incident began around 9:40 PM on March 20, 2025, when Poinsett County deputies tried to stop a vehicle for reckless driving. The driver turned out to be 54-year-old Joe Versie of Jonesboro. Versie refused to pull over and led deputies on a high-speed chase into Crittenden County. Harrisburg Police joined the pursuit before Arkansas State Police were called in for support.

The chase ended when a state trooper used a tactical driving move on Interstate 555 near mile marker 3, forcing Versie’s vehicle into the median. The car caught fire, and officers moved in to help.

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Despite repeated commands to exit the vehicle, Versie stayed inside and told officers he had a weapon. When he reached for it, officers from Arkansas State Police, Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, and Harrisburg Police opened fire. Versie was shot and died at the scene.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division reviewed the incident and submitted their findings to the Crittenden County Prosecutor’s Office.

In a letter dated April 22, 2025, Prosecutor Sonia Hagood concluded that the use of deadly force was legally justified. She said officers were met with a “grave and imminent threat” and acted reasonably to protect themselves and others. Hagood also praised the officers for their professionalism and efforts to save Versie’s life despite the danger.

No officers were injured during the incident.

More details are available on the Arkansas State Police Website.