FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Fourth District Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter has determined the use of lethal force by two Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) Officers was justified in the death of Brandon Poulter, 42, of Fayetteville. 

On September 7, 2025, FPD officers responded to a report of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 300 block of North Garnet Court. As they attempted to contact the occupants of the apartment, additional gunshots were fired from inside the unit towards the officers. The individual inside, identified as Brandon Poulter, continued to engage the officers with gunfire, also targeting an armored vehicle. FPD officers returned fire, striking Poulter. Upon entering the apartment, the officers found Poulter deceased.

At the request of the FPD, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division  investigated the shooting and submitted their findings to the Prosecutor's Office who determined the officers’ actions were consistent with Arkansas law.