The Little Rock police issued the following account of the fatal shooting of man with a rifle in a Mabelvale home. It was the fourth fatal police shooting this year.

On November 14, 2013, at approximately 2:10 p.m. officers of the Little Rock Police Department were dispatched to 10305 Nash Ln. on suicidal subject/possible overdose. The caller said that the suicidal subject, Mr. John Williams, had taken 50 Xanax and was trying to kill himself. Officers attempted to make contact with Mr. Williams and secure the scene for medical attention. Mr. Williams was located at the rear bedroom of the residence. Officers could hear a male inside, making strange noises that sounded to officers like slurred speech. Officers attempted contact with Mr. Williams at the rear door, and were confronted by a male holding a long barrel firearm. Officers ordered the Mr. Williams to lower his firearm and exit the residence. Mr. Williams did not comply with officers’ orders, and continued to brandish his firearm. One officer discharged his firearm at Mr. Williams. The officers retreated and attempted to get the suspect to exit the residence and drop his firearm so medical treatment could be administered. Shortly after retreating, officers then entered the residence and found Mr. Williams deceased. Mr. Williams’s next-of-kin was notified.

Pursuant to Little Rock Police Department General Orders, two separate investigations have been initiated into this matter. The first, conducted by the Department’s Major Crimes Division, will be submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office when completed for a review and determination as to compliance with Arkansas law; the second, conducted by the Department’s Professional Standards Section, is charged with determining whether the officers involved acted in accordance with Departmental policies.

Both officers were placed on administrative leave as required by Department policy and the investigations are continuing.

Additional information will be made available as the investigations continue.