Prosecutor rules officers justified in fatal shooting

GILMORE. — Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood has determined that law enforcement officers were justified in the use of deadly force in connection with a March fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man.
On March 20, 2025, at around 9:40 p.m., suspect Joe Versie, 54, led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit from Poinsett County to Crittenden County. The incident began when the suspect fled from Poinsett County Sheriff’s (PCSO) deputies who attempted to conduct a traffic stop for reckless driving. Harrisburg Police (HPD) officers joined the pursuit before Arkansas State Police (ASP) assistance was requested.
The Trooper ended the pursuit by employing a tactical vehicle intervention on Interstate 555 near the 3-mile marker. The suspect’s vehicle came to rest in the median and became engulfed in flames. As officers worked to extinguish the fire, the suspect remained in the vehicle, ignoring commands from officers to exit the vehicle.
Versie told officers he had a weapon. When he reached for a weapon, an ASP Trooper, PCSO and HPD officers discharged their service weapons, striking the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

ASP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Agents investigated the shooting and submitted a case file to the Crittenden County Prosecutor’s Office, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.
In a letter to ASP, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Hagood wrote:
“The officers involved were faced with a grave and imminent threat to their safety and the safety of others. Their decision to use deadly force was both reasonable and justified in the circumstances. It is a testament to their professionalism and bravery that, despite the grave danger, no officer was injured during this highly dangerous encounter. Officers not only acted in self-defense but also made concerted efforts to save Mr. Versie’s life, even while under threat.”