HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas -- A Hot Springs police officer was shot and killed and the suspected gunman was wounded during a confrontation Tuesday night.
Officer Brent Scrimshire conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of Kenwood Street in Hot Springs around 6:30 p.m. when the shooting occurred, according to a news release.
During the stop, shots were fired and Scrimshire was struck, along with the suspect.
Scrimshire was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
The name of condition of the suspect is not being released at this time.
Scrimshire has been recognized as an Employee of the Quarter for the Hot Springs Police Department several times; most recently in October 2019. In October 2016, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge named him a Regional Officer of the Year.
"My heart breaks for the family of Officer Brent Scrimshire who was killed in the line of duty tonight. Our men and women in blue hold the line every day so Arkansans can sleep safely at night. Unfortunately, Officer Scrimshire paid the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever indebted to him," Rutledge said in a statement. "My prayers and deepest condolences go out to Officer Scrimshire’s family and the entire Hot Springs Police Department as they are faced with this devastating loss."
The investigation has been turned over to the Arkansas State Police.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
