The fatal shooting of a Paragould man by police during a disturbance at an apartment complex earlier this month has been ruled justified, authorities said Tuesday.
Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said in a statement that police officers acted correctly when they fatally shot Timmy Myrick, 37.
"This is certainly a tragic event, but the actions of Timmy Myrick that day threatened the lives of his neighbors and members of law enforcement," Ellington said in a statement. "These officers acted within their training and did exactly what they were taught to do under the circumstances. Therefore, I find the shooting justified and no criminal charges will be brought in this matter."
Arkansas State Police investigated the actions of Paragould police officers Cpl. Jason Boling and Cpl. Max Adams after they were called to a disturbance at a West Bertig Street apartment complex in south Paragould.
Police said Myrick approached the officers with a butcher knife and refused to drop it before both officers opened fire.
Myrick, who was shot three times, died at the scene.
"Investigators with the Arkansas State Police interviewed other witnesses that stated that Myrick had drank vodka and was suicidal on the day he met his fate," Ellington wrote. "Myrick was known to have behaved violently in the past. Violence mixed with alcohol is a recipe for disaster."