Arkansas State Police officers are investigating a fatal shooting involving three Washington County sheriff's deputies, according to a news release issued Saturday.
Randy Blecher, 50, was shot Friday in Farmington after he pointed a gun in the deputies' direction, according to the release. Special agents from the state police Criminal Investigation Division have been assigned to the case.
Farmington police and firefighters were called to 133 Neal St. Friday afternoon after Blecher was seen setting fire to a house and an outside building, the release states. When police arrived, they reported seeing Blecher on a home's front porch holding a shotgun and handgun.
They attempted to negotiate with Blecher and asked him to drop the guns, the release states.
As Blecher moved from the porch and began to walk in the street, he reportedly pointed a gun in the direction of the three deputies. The deputies opened fire, hitting Blecher.
Blecher was later pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center, the release says.
The state police investigation results will be submitted to the Washington County prosecuting attorney's office for review to determine if the use of deadly force was in accordance with Arkansas law.
According to the statement, Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder requested the state police investigation.
Metro on 06/26/2016