BATESVILLE, Ark. — At the request of the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC), the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has launched an investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting involving the DOC K-9 team that occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
On Monday, March 23, 2026, around 3:15 a.m., deputies with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Brown Lane in the Bethesda community. When deputies arrived, they found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Lee Johnston, 48, of Jonesboro, who fled the scene after the shooting. ICSO, along with the DOC K-9 team, Batesville Police Department, and ASP troopers, conducted a search for Johnston.
On Tuesday, March 24, officers located Johnston in a heavily wooded area near the initial crime scene. The DOC K-9 team encountered him in a nearby field, where officers used deadly force. Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials will transport the body to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death. No officers were injured during the incident.
Once the investigation concludes, ASP CID special agents will submit their findings to the Independence County Prosecuting Attorney, who will decide whether the use of deadly force complied with Arkansas law.