A Hot Springs police officer was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in Arkansas on March 10, police said.
The Hot Springs Police Department said 33-year-old Officer Brent Scrimshire was struck by gunfire at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Kenwood Street, public information officer for the department Cpl. Joey Williams said in a
statement on Facebook.
The suspect was also shot during the incident, Williams said, adding that the name, condition, and motive of the shooter are not being released at this time.
Officer Scrimshire, an eight-year veteran of the department, was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“We ask for prayers for our officer and his family,” Williams said in the statement.
The investigation has been turned over to Arkansas State Police. Additional information is expected to be released later.
Scrimshire was presented with the Regional Officer of the Year Award in 2016 by Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge,
HOTSR reported.
“My heart breaks for the family of Officer Brent Scrimshire who was killed in the line of duty last night. I had the honor of meeting him in 2016 when I awarded him the Regional Officer of the Year for his service and willingness to go above and beyond for his community,” Rutledge
tweeted, adding a photo of her presenting Scrimshire the award.
Condolences Pour In
Condolences poured in from across the state and country on social media.
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support from everyone during this trying time,” Hot Springs Police Department
wrote on Facebook.
Police said Scrimshire’s unit has been parked in front of the police station for anyone in the community wanting to leave memorials and pay their respects.
Arkansas Gov. William Asa Hutchinson, among many others, said his “prayers are with his family, the Hot Springs Police Department, and the entire law enforcement community.”
New York Police Department Chief Terence Monahan
said on Twitter that Scrimshire’s death is another reminder of the dangers police face every day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Little Rock
wrote on Twitter that staff are shocked and heartbroken.
“We mourn alongside our @HotSpringsPD partners, and we offer our most sincere thoughts and prayers for Officer Scrimshire’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Officer Scrimshire. #FallenHero,” the department tweeted.
Scrimshire is the first Hot Springs police officer killed in the line of duty since February 1996, when Officer Chris Anderson was shot during a warrant service,
according to HOTSR.
