A Newport, Arkansas police lieutenant was fatally shot while assisting a fellow officer at a traffic stop Monday evening.
Lt. Patrick Weatherford was in the Remmel Park area west of the Newport High when he responded to the call for assistance around 6:15 p.m., according to The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
The 41-year-old officer, who was a 15-year veteran of the force, was transported to Unity Health in Newport where he was pronounced dead.
A suspect was arrested and taken into custody following the shooting. According to media reporters, a dive team is currently searching for the firearm used by the gunman.
"We're in shock," Newport Mayor David Stewart said Monday evening. "We are trying to put the pieces together right now."
Weatherford graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy Program in Quantico, Va. in April 2016 and was named Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in October 2016.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
