OCTOBER 16, 2022

The Arkansas State Police has been requested by Benton County Sheriff’s Department authorities to investigate an officer involved shooting which claimed the life of Nelson Amos, 71, of the Decatur community.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 22891 Falling Springs Road shortly before noon yesterday (October 15th) after a resident reported hearing gunfire on Amos’ property.

A sheriff’s deputy later encountered Amos on a local road driving a tractor and brandishing a handgun.  The sheriff’s deputy fired his rifle, striking Amos.  An ambulance was called to the scene, meanwhile deputies began to administer lifesaving measures to Amos, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Special agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division are preparing an investigative file to be submitted to the Benton County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by the sheriff’s deputy was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Questions related to the identity of deputies who responded to the area and their administrative status should be directed to the Benton County Sheriff.

Amos’ body is being transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for determination of the manner and cause of death.