In a recent ruling, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood determined the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers in connection with a fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man to be justified.
According to a press release from the Arkansas State Police (ASP), on the evening of March 20 at around 9:40, 54-year-old Joe Versie led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit from Poinsett County to Crittenden County. The incident started when deputies from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Versie for reckless driving. Versie fled from the scene with the Harrisburg Police Department (HPD) joining in the pursuit with the assistance from the Arkansas State Police also being requested.
The pursuit ended when a trooper deployed a tactical vehicle intervention on Interstate 555 near the 3-mile marker. Versie’s vehicle came to a stop in the median and became engulfed in flames. Officers worked to extinguish the fire as Versie remained in the vehicle, ignoring commands to exit.
Versie told officers he had a weapon and began to reach for it. An ASP Trooper, PCSO deputies and HPD officers all discharged their service weapons, striking Versie. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
ASP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Agents investigated the incident and submitted a case file to the Crittenden County Prosecutor’s Office, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas Law.
In a letter to ASP on Tuesday, Hagood said “The officers involved were faced with a grave and imminent threat to their safety and the safety of others. Their decision to use deadly force was both reasonable and justified in the circumstances. It is a testament to their professionalism and bravery that, despite the grave danger, no officer was injured during this highly dangerous encounter. Officers not only acted in self-defense but also made concerted efforts to save Mr. Versie’s life, even while under threat.”
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