AUGUSTA, ARK. — Authorities have ruled that a Woodruff County deputy acted within the law in a fatal shooting that occurred during a disturbance response in March.
Prosecutor Finds Use of Force Justified
The First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that the deputy’s use of deadly force was legally justified following a review of the case.
On April 6, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Bell concluded that the actions taken by the officer were consistent with Arkansas law.
Incident Details
The shooting happened on March 15, 2026, when deputies from the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance call at a residence on White Drive in Augusta.
Deputies were assisting the Augusta Police Department when an encounter led to a deputy firing his service weapon.
The suspect, identified as Randy Ealy, 45, of Franklin, was struck during the incident and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation by State Police
The case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, which reviewed the circumstances surrounding the shooting before submitting findings to prosecutors.
Case Outcome
After examining the evidence, prosecutors determined that the deputy’s actions met the legal standard for self-defense and lawful use of force, closing the case without charges.
Key Takeaways
- Deputy cleared in fatal March 15 shooting in Augusta, Arkansas
- Prosecutor rules use of force consistent with state law
- Victim identified as 45-year-old Randy Ealy
- Investigation handled by Arkansas State Police CID