Officers justified in fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man, prosecutor says
Prosecutors ruled that law enforcement officers involved in the March fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man were justified in their use of deadly force.
GILMORE, Ark. — On April 25, prosecutors ruled that law enforcement officers involved in the March fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man were justified in the use of deadly force.
According to reports, 54-year-old Joe Versie led officers on a high-speed chase from Poinsett County to Crittenden County on March 20.
Officials ended the chase by performing a tactical vehicle intervention on the suspect’s vehicle on I-555. The car would come to a rest in the median and caught on fire.
Police reportedly worked to extinguish the fire while Versie was inside. He would tell officers he had a weapon and allegedly reached for it while refusing to exit the car.
Officers then fired at the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
In a letter to the Arkansas State Police, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood wrote:
“The officers involved were faced with a grave and imminent threat to their safety and the safety of others. Their decision to use deadly force was both reasonable and justified in the circumstances. It is a testament to their professionalism and bravery that, despite the grave danger, no officer was injured during this highly dangerous encounter. Officers not only acted in self-defense but also made concerted efforts to save Mr. Versie’s life, even while under threat.”