Arkansas State Police Investigate Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Logan County

Authorities say a 45-year-old man was killed after brandishing a firearm during a traffic stop pursuit.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:36pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuff, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The harsh, gritty visual style reflects the somber and investigative nature of this officer-involved shooting incident.Booneville Today

The Arkansas State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday in Logan County. According to a news release, a Booneville police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck, but the driver, identified as 45-year-old Gary Blaylock, fled southbound on Arkansas 23. State Police troopers responded to assist, and near 6883 S. Arkansas 23, Booneville officers executed a rolling block maneuver to stop Blaylock's vehicle. Blaylock then exited the truck brandishing a firearm, prompting a State Police trooper and Booneville police officer to fire their service weapons, striking and killing Blaylock. No officers or bystanders were injured.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are a sensitive and high-profile issue, with ongoing debates around use of force policies and procedures. This incident will likely prompt further scrutiny and investigation into the actions of the officers involved and whether the use of deadly force was justified.

The details

According to the State Police news release, the incident began around 10:15 a.m. on Monday when a Booneville police officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on Blaylock's Chevrolet pickup truck. Blaylock did not pull over and instead fled southbound on Arkansas 23. State Police troopers responded to assist, and near 6883 S. Arkansas 23, Booneville officers executed a rolling block maneuver to bring Blaylock's vehicle to a stop. Blaylock then exited the truck brandishing a firearm, prompting a State Police trooper and Booneville police officer to fire their service weapons, striking and killing Blaylock.

  • The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Blaylock's body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the manner and cause of death.

The players

Arkansas State Police

The state law enforcement agency investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting.

Gary Blaylock

A 45-year-old man who was killed after brandishing a firearm during a confrontation with police.

Booneville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency whose officers were involved in the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Arkansas State Police investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the findings will be submitted to the Logan County Prosecutor's Office to determine if the use of deadly force was justified under state law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and sensitive nature of officer-involved shootings, which often prompt intense scrutiny and debate around use of force policies and procedures. The outcome of the State Police investigation and the Logan County Prosecutor's review will be closely watched by the community.