A Fort Smith Police officer sustained life-threatening injuries following an early morning shooting on Sunday, May 17, according to the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD). The incident occurred around 1:26 a.m. near 7200 Massard Road.
Officer Kyle Newman, a department veteran who has served just over a year, was shot in the neck by 27-year-old Joshua Keller of Fort Smith. Officer Newman was transported to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to a trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.
Suspect Confrontation and Pursuit
Police reports indicate that Officer Newman was responding to a call regarding a group of minors at McClure Amphitheater near Chaffee Crossing. While Newman and another officer were on the scene, a white pickup truck drove into a ditch nearby.
Newman approached the vehicle to check on the driver, Joshua Keller, while the other officer remained with the juveniles and their parents.
During the encounter, Newman initiated a Driving While Intoxicated investigation. Keller became argumentative, reentered his vehicle, and attempted to flee.
When Officer Newman tried to detain him outside the truck, Keller produced a handgun and shot Newman in the neck. Officer Newman returned fire as Keller fell to the ground. The other officer immediately rendered aid to Newman while calling for backup.
Keller fled in his white pickup truck, initiating a pursuit that ended near the Grand Avenue exit on Interstate 540 northbound. After crashing the vehicle, an additional officer-involved shooting occurred, resulting in Keller’s death. Authorities recovered a handgun from the vehicle.
Investigation and Road Closures
At the request of FSPD, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is leading the investigation. Interstate 540 northbound near the Grand Avenue exit was temporarily closed during the response but has since reopened.
FSPD held a press conference at 12 p.m. Sunday at the department headquarters to provide details about the shooting and the identities of both the officer and the suspect.
Officer Newman’s Condition and Recognition
Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker described the night as “extremely difficult and emotional,” praising Officer Newman’s bravery. “Officer Kyle Newman is fighting for his life today because he responded to protect this community and was confronted with an armed individual who chose violence,” Baker said. He highlighted Newman’s commitment to duty, noting that the officer continued to attempt to stop Keller even after being shot.
Newman is a family man, and his family remains by his side. Chief Baker expressed pride in Newman’s service and hope for his recovery.
Table: Key Details of Fort Smith Officer Shooting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 7200 Massard Road, Fort Smith, AR |
| Date and Time | Sunday, May 17, ~1:26 a.m. |
| Officer Injured | Kyle Newman, shot in the neck, critically injured |
| Suspect | Joshua Keller, 27, Fort Smith, AR |
| Incident Type | Shooting during DUI investigation, suspect attempted to flee |
| Vehicle Involved | White pickup truck |
| Pursuit Location | Interstate 540 northbound, Grand Avenue exit |
| Outcome | Suspect shot and killed by police; handgun recovered |
| Investigation | Arkansas State Police leading; FSPD press conference held |
| Officer Status | Airlifted to trauma center, critical condition |
A Fort Smith Police officer was critically injured after a confrontation with an armed suspect early Sunday morning. The pursuit and subsequent officer-involved shooting ended with the suspect’s death, and the investigation is ongoing under the oversight of the Arkansas State Police.
Authorities continue to monitor Officer Newman’s condition while gathering additional details and reviewing evidence from the incident. The department is urging the community to support the officer and his family during this critical time.
