Details are being released regarding a shooting that occurred Monday in Little Rock, including the involvement of U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the response.
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the U.S. Marshals Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force were attempting to make an arrest on 23-year-old Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman after a prior incident on Baseline Road that day. ASP troopers say that Purdiman was wanted for a failure to appear warrant.
The statement released by ASP said that USMS tracked Purdiman to a Walmart on Baseline Road where the attempted arrest was made.
According to the release, Purdiman then exited his vehicle and attempted to escape the scene on foot while authorities were attempting to surround his vehicle. The suspect made his way towards a nearby gas station as he fired multiple shots towards the officers.
During the pursuit, an officer’s vehicle struck a fuel pump causing an explosion. Task force members began issuing verbal commands to Purdiman to drop his weapon but he refused. The fugitive was then fatally shot.
In the release, officials noted that one task force member was injured during the pursuit but was later released from the hospital. No civilians were harmed during the incident.
Arkansas State Police say the incident is under investigation.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI