Details of deadly chase emerge

Gunfire kills Missouri suspect,Arkansas State Police dog

Authorities released details Thursday about a pursuit in Missouri that eventually ended with gunfire in Arkansas and the deaths of a man and an Arkansas State Police dog.

James Edward Blackmon of St. Louis was stopped by state police shortly before 7 p.m. Monday on Interstate 55 in Mississippi County after his vehicle was identified as one that was sought by Missouri authorities, according to a news release from state police.

Deputies from the Pemiscot County sheriff’s office had tried to pull over Blackmon’s dark Chevrolet four-door passenger vehicle about 6:30 p.m. that day near Hayti, Mo., Chief Deputy Joe Bryant said.

The vehicle was headed south, toward the Arkansas state line, according to the spokesman. Bryant said the Chevrolet was “driving erratically” and led deputies on a short chase to the state line, where they ended their pursuit and notified Arkansas authorities.

When state troopers stopped Blackmon near Luxora, he ran away and two troopers and a Mississippi County sheriff’s deputy chased him, the state agency said.

A state trooper eventually released a police dog, which caught up with Blackmon, authorities said. Blackmon shot the dog, Hemi, killing it, according to state police. He then began shooting at the troopers and the deputy, who returned fire, the release said. Blackmon died at a hospital Tuesday morning.

The unidentified troopers and deputy have been placed on paid leave, authorities said.

Results of an investigation will be given to the Mississippi County prosecuting attorney to determine if the use of deadly force was warranted.

Arkansas State Police spokesman Liz Chapman said Thursday that no new information would be released until the investigation has been completed.