Suspect Identified in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Malvern

Authorities have identified Eddie Williams, 42, of Malvern, as the suspect in a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Friday, November 22, 2024.

The incident unfolded when Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers and Malvern Police Department (MPD) officers located Williams, who was wanted in connection with a shooting earlier that day near the Hot Spring County Courthouse. ASP Troopers spotted Williams driving a 2016 GMC Acadia on Moline Street around 2:45 p.m. When they attempted to stop him, he fled at high speed, leading them on a pursuit through a Walgreens parking lot and onto West Page Avenue.

Williams, armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire on law enforcement during the confrontation. Officers returned fire, striking him. No officers were injured in the exchange. Williams was pronounced dead, and his body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the official cause of death.

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The earlier shooting incident left one person injured at a business near Locust Street and West Page. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

The ASP Criminal Investigation Division is conducting a full investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The case file will be reviewed by the prosecuting attorney to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified under Arkansas law. Meanwhile, three ASP Troopers and two MPD officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard protocol.