January 8th, 2023

The Arkansas State Police is conducting an internal review and investigation into the death of a Faulkner County man who fled from Arkansas State Troopers early this morning. Scotty Helton, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Faulkner County Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on Helton’s vehicle for reckless and erratic driving around 1:00 am this morning, at which point Helton fled. Faulkner County Deputies and Conway Police Officers pursued the suspect into the city limits of Conway and on Faulkner County backroads.

Reportedly, law enforcement officers were fired upon by Helton multiple times during the pursuit. State Troopers joined the pursuit and successfully deployed spike strips on State Highway 89. With deflated tires, Helton reached the intersection of State Highway 89 and Interstate 40 where he struck a concrete curb and the vehicle came to rest.

During the course of the encounter, Helton brandished a gun, leading three State Troopers and one Mayflower Police Officer to fire their service weapons. Troopers attempted to render medical aid, but Helton succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are conducting an investigation into the use of deadly force by the officers involved. The investigative case file will be submitted to a prosecuting attorney of jurisdiction who will decide whether the use of deadly force by the Arkansas State Police and the Mayflower Police Department was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Consistent with Arkansas State Police policy, three state troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.  The Mayflower Police Department will determine whether to release the identity of their officer involved and their administrative status.