TRUMANN, Ark. --

A suspect opened fire on two police officers during a late-night traffic stop, killing one before police managed to arrest the suspect, authorities said Wednesday.

The suspect shot and killed 30-year-old Trumann police Officer Jonathan Schmidt shortly before midnight Tuesday in Poinsett County as Schmidt and the other officer approached the vehicle, Police Chief Tony Rusher said. Trumann is about 125 miles northeast of Little Rock.

Rusher did not disclose the suspect's identity or say why the officers stopped the vehicle.

The Arkansas State Police is investigating the slaying. Trumann and state police officials planned to discuss the case at a news conference later Wednesday.

Former and current officers commiserated Wednesday at the Trumann police station, describing Schmidt as a dedicated father and committed officer who was always prepared.

Jonathan Skaggs, a former Trumann police officer who recommended Schmidt for the job, said his friend left a higher paying job at a steel mill in 2007 to join the police force in the city where he was raised.

"He said he just wanted to do his part to give back to Trumann," Skaggs said.

Schmidt worked as a night patrolman so he could spend days with his three children - one of whom is just a baby, Skaggs said.

Schmidt recently received a commendation for saving an infant's life by giving the child mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

"I'd put Jonathan Schmidt up against almost any cop in the state," Skaggs said.

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Information from: KAIT-TV, http://www.kait8.com/