State police investigating fatal shooting involving Washington County sheriff's deputies

A man shot by police during a standoff Friday evening in Farmington has died, according to Arkansas State Police.

Randy Blecher, 50, of 133 Neal St. in Farmington was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville where he was pronounced dead, according to a news release from state police.

At the request of Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder, state police will investigate the use of deadly force by three sheriff's deputies, the release said. The deputies' names were not listed in the release.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the Washington County Prosecutor's office for review to determine if the use of deadly force by officers was consistent with state law, the release said.

The sheriff's office will conduct an internal investigation to determine if departmental policies and procedures were followed, according to Kelly Cantrell, the office's spokesman.

The Washington County Fire Marshal's office is also conducting an investigation involving the circumstances surrounding the fire, Cantrell added.

Blecher started a fire at a shed next to a house at 133 Neal St. about 5:07 p.m., Cantrell said. Blecher was armed with a pistol and rifle, which kept firefighters from extinguishing the blaze.

When officers arrived, Blecher approached officers and fire one his guns at them, Cantrell said.

Blecher held the pistol to his head several times while police negotiated with him to put down the weapons, Cantrell said. About 6:05 p.m., Blecher raised his weapon and pointed it at the officers, who opened fire, Cantrell said.

Firefighters then put out the fire, which had spread to the house. No one else was in the house, Cantrell said.

Robert Benson, who lives in the neighborhood, said he ran toward the house when he saw the smoke.

Benson said he saw a man with a pistol pointed at his chin approach police and disobey orders to stop. Benson said he saw an officer with a stun gun get near the man. The man and the officer moved and a truck then blocked Benson's view. Benson said he then heard gunshots.

Washington County property records list Randolph and Alma Blecher as the property's owners. Court records show Alma Blecher on Friday filed a petition for an order of protection against Randolph Blecher on behalf of a minor.

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