Suspect Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting Near Little Rock Walmart

An Arkansas man wanted on multiple warrants was shot and killed Monday afternoon following a confrontation with police near the Baseline Walmart in Little Rock.

• Who: Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman, 23, of Jacksonville, AR
• Where: 7900 Block of Baseline Road in Little Rock, AR
• When: Monday, March 24, 2025, around 3 PM.

Details

According to a press release from the Arkansas State Police (ASP), Officers with a US Marshalls Service task force attempted to arrest Larry-Purdiman, who had failed t appear for sentencing on violent felony charges in Pulaski County. They were able to track him to the Walmart on Baseline Road in southwest Little Rock.

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When Officers tried to stop Larry-Purdiman, he fled on foot into a nearby gas station parking lot. He was armed with a fully-automatic handgun and fired at officers while running. Officers returned fire.

During the initial pursuit one of the officers vehicle hit a gas pump and was engulfed in flames.

Larry-Purdiman was soon thereafter found behind a business across the road. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thankfully, no civilians were injured in the melee, one office was hurt during the chase and was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is reviewing the case and results will be sent to the Pulaski County Prosecutor's office who will determine if the officer's actions were justified under state law.

Check out the video report from KATV Channel 7: