PRESS RELEASE

JUNE 4, 2022

The Arkansas State Police is investigating a shooting incident involving multiple law enforcement officers of the Jonesboro Police Department, Craighead County Sheriff’s Office and state troopers. The officers were the targets of gunfire from a suspect who had shot a man earlier today at a Jonesboro rice mill.

In the exchange of gunfire, Walter Antreall Joyce, 45, of Memphis, was shot and killed.  Local police officers, a sheriff’s deputy and troopers had pursued the shooting suspect before his vehicle was stopped by a trooper using a precision intervention technique along Interstate 555 near Nettleton Avenue. Joyce ignored repeated commands from officers to exit the vehicle and surrender.

Moments before 11 AM, the suspect opened fire on the officers who then returned fire.  Joyce was pronounced dead the at the scene.  No law enforcement officers were injured.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are conducting an investigation into the use of deadly force by the officers involved in the return of gunfire. The investigative case file will be submitted to the Craighead County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the law enforcement officers used deadly force as prescribed under state laws.

The Jonesboro Police Department and Craighead County Sheriff’s Office will determine whether to release the identity of their officers who used deadly force and their administrative status.  Consistent with Arkansas State Police policy, two state troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.  The identity of the troopers will be released next week.