Prosecutor clears Benton officers, Arkansas trooper in January gunfight shooting death

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Pulaski County prosecutor ruled that the use of deadly force during a January police pursuit that ended in the shooting death of a felon was justified.

Three Benton Police Department officers and an Arkansas State Police trooper had their actions reviewed after the death of 35-year-old Aaron Watson of Hot Springs on Jan. 1. Officials said Watson died after shooting at officers following a high-speed pursuit from Benton to Little Rock.

Officials said deputies with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office initiated the pursuit of Watson on Interstate 30 near Mile Marker 128.

Arkansas State Police troopers ended the pursuit using a Tactical Vehicle Intervention maneuver, formerly referred to as a PIT maneuver, on I-30 near the University Avenue exit in Little Rock.

Officials added that Watson fired at officers after the car was stopped, who returned fire, striking him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Watson was wanted by U.S. Marshals Service. ASP troopers and Benton police officers were not injured in the exchange.

ASP officials reported Thursday that 6th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones had determined the actions of the Benton officers and ASP trooper to be justified.

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