On Sunday, December 31, 2023, at approximately 12:58 a.m., Boone County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) requested Arkansas State Police (ASP) assist with an officer-involved shooting in Bellefonte. 

Flippin Police officers responded earlier to a suspicious vehicle call, where they found 20-year-old Spridal P. Hubiak of Waterville, Maine, asleep in his car. After identifying Hubiak, who goes by the nickname “Spiral,” police were advised that he was wanted in Maine for a homicide that had occurred approximately three days prior. Police attempted to arrest Hubiak, who fled the scene.

Hubiak was an employee of Damon’s Beverage in Waterville, where an employee was found dead early December 27, 2023, according to a release issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety. The victim’s identity is being withheld by police.

During Sunday’s pursuit, ASP and Harrison Police deployed spike strips 1 mile east of the intersection of Highway 62 and Highway 65. Hubiak turned south on Highway 65 and then turned into the parking lot of the White Oak Gas Station in Bellefonte, where the vehicle crashed. Witnesses say Hubiak exited his vehicle with an AR-style rifle in hand. 

A Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy fired at Hubiak, striking him multiple times. No officers were injured. Hubiak was provided medical aid by officers on the scene before being transported to North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison and was later transferred to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Hubiak, who is expected to survive, is in the custody of the Greene County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office while hospitalized. 

Special Agents with ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division have secured the Bellefonte scene and Hubiak’s vehicle. An investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.