Ark. Drug Task Force Director Dies in Foot Pursuit

March 27, 2013
Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force Director Larry Johnson died during the chase in Clarksville.

A Drug Task Force director died Tuesday night while pursuing a suspect in Clarksville, Ark.

Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force Director Larry Johnson was in a foot chase with a man suspected of violating parole when he collapsed, according to The Democrat-Gazette.

Officials told the newspaper that Johnson was performing a routine compliance check at the suspect's residence when the suspect fled from him.

The 65-year-old law enforcement officer collapsed in an area near the University of the Ozarks and was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Johnson County Coroner Todd McAteer told the newspaper that the cause of death is believed to be a heart attack but that has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities took the suspect into custody Wednesday morning, according to Clarksville Police Chief Greg Donaldson.

"Larry was a friend, confidante, and brother in blue who gave his life protecting and serving the citizens of Clarksville, Johnson County, and the State of Arkansas," Donaldson said in a statement.

Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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