Texarkana Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man During Traffic Stop

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A Texarkana police officer fatally shot a 46-year-old man on Sunday after the man opened fire during a traffic stop east of Texarkana. The officer was assisting an Arkansas State Police trooper who had pulled over Tommy Sevier due to an active felony warrant. Sevier refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle and eventually exchanged gunfire with the Texarkana officer, who is not named in the report. Sevier died from his wounds at a nearby hospital after officers provided aid at the scene.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges police officers face during routine traffic stops, especially when dealing with suspects with outstanding warrants. The use of deadly force by the officer is now under investigation to determine if it was a lawful action.

The details

According to the state police news release, the Arkansas State Police trooper pulled over Tommy Sevier on Arkansas 296 around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday after determining there was an active felony warrant for Sevier's arrest. Texarkana officers who were familiar with Sevier arrived to assist the trooper. Sevier refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle and eventually exchanged gunfire with a Texarkana officer. It is unclear from the report who fired first. Sevier died from his wounds at a nearby hospital after officers provided aid at the scene.

• The traffic stop occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
• Sevier died from his wounds at the hospital after the shooting incident.

What’s next

The Miller County Prosecutor's Office will review the state police investigation and determine if the Texarkana police officer's use of deadly force was lawful.