Arkansas Prosecutor Says State Troopers Justified in May Shooting Near Alma

The May 2025 fatal shooting of a man by Arkansas State Police Troopers near Alma has been ruled as justified, according to a decision from the Twenty-First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.

Prosecutor Kevin Holmes notified ASP officials in a June 9 letter that the use of deadly force against 27-year-old Austin Byrd was consistent with Arkansas law.

The incident happened around 6:30 AM on Friday, May 16, after Arkansas State Police received reports of a reckless driver on eastbound Interstate 40 near the 7-mile marker outside Van Buren. Troopers believed the vehicle was tied to an earlier domestic disturbance and aggravated robbery that occurred in Fort Smith.

Byrd reportedly stopped at the Hilltop Travel Center in Alma and entered the store. State Troopers and Crawford County deputies responded, and a confrontation followed. Authorities say Byrd pulled a handgun and ran.

Troopers pursued him, ordering him multiple times to drop the weapon. According to investigators, Byrd turned toward officers while still armed and did not comply. Troopers then fired, fatally striking him.

No officers were hurt during the incident. The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division handled the investigation and submitted the case file to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

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