2:30 P.M. UPDATE:
The parents of a teenage boy whom Benton police shot and killed last week asked for a thorough investigation of the slaying at a news conference Friday.
Officer Kyle Ellison fatally shot Kaegan Schweikle, 17, the night of Oct. 17
Schweikle was reportedly suicidal, and his mother, Piper Patridge, had called police for help. Police said they followed Schweikle into a wooded area near his mother's home and shot him after he pointed a gun at officers.
The boy's father, Dominic Schweikle, said Friday that his son's death was "unnecessary." He said police appeared eager to confront his son and could've handled the encounter differently.
"He was no danger to anyone but himself," he said.
Dominic Schweikle and Partridge spoke Friday alongside their attorney, Brent Standridge, outside the Saline County Courthouse.
Standridge said they will monitor the investigation closely. He also asked for anyone who was in the area when the shooting occurred to come forward if they have any information.
"We're just seeking justice and the truth," Partridge said.
Benton police are investigating the killing. Ellison is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
EARLIER:
The Benton Police Department on Friday identified the police officer who fatally shot a teenager earlier this month.
The agency said in a statement that the lawman was Kyle Ellison, a K-9 officer who has been with the police department for six years.
Authorities said 17-year-old Keagan Schweikle did not follow police orders to drop a gun Oct. 17 and instead pointed it at Ellison, who opened fire. Schweikle died at the scene.
Schweikle's family was expected to make a statement to the media at an event later Friday afternoon.
The statement from the Benton Police Department said Ellison's name was being released "based upon confirmation of evidence received from the Arkansas State Crime Lab" on Thursday, though it didn't detail the evidence in question or indicate why releasing the name was contingent on that.
Ellison remains on administrative leave pending criminal and internal investigations, the statement added.
— Arkansas Online staff