Two Hempstead County Deputies went to a residence located at 2973 Highway 73 West in Columbus, Arkansas, just over the county line in Howard County. Deputies knocked on the door and announced themselves. A male subject answered the door, and deputies asked him if he was Randy May. The man replied yes, and he was advised that they had a warrant for his arrest to turn around and place his hands behind his back. May told the deputies he was not going to do that, turned, and went back inside and picked up a machete and raised it at the deputies.

Deputies retreated into the front yard of the residence with May chasing after one of the deputies. After repeated commands by the deputy to stop and drop the machete, May refused and continued toward the deputy. The deputy fired his weapon and struck May, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) was called to investigate the shooting. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation. ASP CID agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Howard County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by the deputy was consistent with Arkansas laws.