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

Authorities say suspect brandished firearm after traffic stop led to pursuit

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a police-issued handgun magazine, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, investigative nature of the incident.The investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting in rural Arkansas exposes the gritty realities of law enforcement's use of deadly force.Booneville Today

Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Logan County. The incident began with a traffic stop in Booneville that led to a pursuit, with the suspect vehicle eventually being stopped. The driver, Gary Blaylock, exited the truck brandishing a firearm, prompting an ASP Trooper and Booneville Police Department officer to discharge their weapons, fatally striking Blaylock.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are a sensitive and controversial topic, with investigations often closely scrutinized by the public. This incident in a rural Arkansas county will likely receive significant local and regional media attention as authorities work to determine if the use of deadly force was justified under state law.

The details

According to the report, at approximately 10:15 a.m. on April 6, a Booneville Police Department (BPD) officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck traveling on Arkansas State Highway 23. The driver, later identified as 45-year-old Gary Blaylock, failed to comply and fled southbound, leading to a pursuit. ASP Troopers responded to assist BPD officers, and near 6883 South Highway 23, they executed a rolling block maneuver to bring the suspect vehicle to a stop. Blaylock then exited the truck brandishing a firearm, at which point an ASP Trooper and BPD officer discharged their service weapons, fatally striking Blaylock.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The initial traffic stop attempt was around 10:15 a.m.

The players

Arkansas State Police (ASP)

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

Booneville Police Department (BPD)

The local police department whose officer was involved in the incident.

Gary Blaylock

The 45-year-old driver who was fatally shot after brandishing a firearm during the traffic stop and pursuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

ASP Special Agents will continue to investigate the shooting, and upon completion, a case file will be submitted to the Logan County Prosecutor's Office to determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and often controversial nature of officer-involved shootings, which require thorough investigations to ensure transparency and accountability. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by the local community and may have broader implications for police use-of-force policies in the state.