Authorities identify officers involved in fatal Arkansas police shooting

FARMINGTON — Authorities have identified three Northwest Arkansas officers involved in a shooting that killed a 50-year-old man.

Arkansas State Police special agents are investigating Friday's fatal shooting of Randy Blecher in Farmington. Authorities say the shooting happened as officers were responding to reports that Blecher was setting fires to a house and outbuilding.

Police say Blecher reportedly pointed a gun at the three officers, who then opened fire. Blecher was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office identified the officers involved as Lt. Joshua McConnell and Cpl. Brian Comstock. The third officer was Cpl. William Sweeney III, who works for the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Goshen Marshal's Office.

State police investigators will forward their findings to prosecutors to determine if the shooting was justified.

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