An Arkansas cop was lethally shot and another was injured in a “exchange of gunfire” at a motel on Monday, as per police.
Pine Bluff Police Department officials showed up at an Econo Lodge on Monday evening, working regarding an “on-going nearby criminal examination” and “were met with gunfire,” Arkansas State Police said in an statement.
The officer killed, Kevin Collins, 35, was a five-year veteran of the power and was serving in the Violent Crimes Unit, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“We’re hurting. We have lost a family member today, so we’re hurting,” Pine Bluff Police Department Chief Kelvin Sergeant said during a press conference.
“I can tell you, at his heart, being a police officer is what Kevin wanted to do.”
The second officer shot, Lt. Ralph Isaac, 42, has been with the department for 20 years — was treated for non-life threatening injuries and is in stable condition. A third officer involved in the incident was not harmed.
Two people “believed to be involved with the shooting” were wounded, treated for non-life-threatening injuries and “later released for questioning by state police,” Arkansas State Police said.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he was “saddened” to learn of the shooting.
“Our prayers are with the officer’s family, the Pine Bluff Police Department and the law enforcement community,” the governor posted on Twitter.
The Arkansas State Police and other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI are assisting with the investigation.
