A McCrory police officer died Thursday when his patrol car struck a deer while he was on the way to assist a Woodruff County deputy, authorities said.
Robert Aaron Barker, 26, of McCrory was headed to Patterson to back up a deputy called to a domestic disturbance at a rural Woodruff County home, McCrory Mayor Doyle Fowler said. Barker was traveling north on Arkansas 17 when a deer crossed in front of him at 5:18 a.m.
A state police report filed by Trooper Kurt Ziegenhorn said Barker's 2015 Dodge Charger left the west side of the highway and overturned.
Medical personnel transported him to the Unity Health Center in Searcy, where he died from his injuries at 6:37 a.m., Ziegenhorn said.
"This is tragic," Fowler said. "He was a fantastic person. He grew up in McCrory and everyone knew him. This is quite a shock for our town."
Barker was a four-year veteran and one of five officers in the McCrory Police Department. He also was a member of the volunteer fire department in the town of 1,679.
"He was a quiet guy," Fowler said. "He didn't talk too much, but he helped anyone he could.
"We never had anything like this happen here before. We hoped we never would."
Barker would attend McCrory high school football games on Fridays, McCrory School District Superintendent Bob Casteel said.
"He came to the ballgames in uniform to watch," Casteel said. "He wanted to provide extra security as a courtesy. It was always good to see him."
The superintendent said counselors would be available to students if requested.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said, "I am saddened to hear of the tragic loss of [Barker]. My prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also issued a statement Thursday.
"Officer Barker was dedicated to serving Arkansans as a law enforcement officer and he was taken from our state, his fellow officers and loved ones far too soon," she said. "I extend my thoughts and prayers to Officer Barker's family, friends and the entire McCrory community."
State Desk on 09/16/2016