Police name Perry County corrections officer killed in jail shooting

FILE — An Arkansas State Police vehicle is shown in this 2019 file photo.
FILE — An Arkansas State Police vehicle is shown in this 2019 file photo.

A Perry County corrections officer has died of his wounds from a Wednesday night shooting at the Perry County jail in Perryville, according to a Thursday morning news release from the Arkansas State Police.

Jeremiah Story, 21, of Oppelo died early today at a Conway hospital. Story was shot by an inmate who was in the process of being booked, according to a news release from the state police Thursday afternoon. 

Police say Roderick Lewis, 37, of North Little Rock fired a pistol while he was changing into clothes issued by the jail. Lewis had been detained earlier Wednesday on drug and paraphernalia charges, according to the release. 

A witness is said to have disarmed Lewis. The release did not clarify how or when Lewis obtained the weapon.

Lewis has been moved the Faulkner County jail in Conway while the Arkansas State Police continues its investigation.

In a news release on Thursday afternoon, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutlege offered her condolences to Story’s family, friends and fellow officers at the Perry County sheriff’s office, saying Story served the state and county honorably.

“Every day, our men and women in blue put on their badge with a desire to pursue justice, no matter the cost," Rutledge said in a statement. "Arkansas is blessed to have dedicated officers who always answer the call to serve their community."

— Remington Miller

6:40 a.m.: Perry County corrections officer killed in jail shooting, authorities say; man, 37, in custody

PERRYVILLE — A shooting at the Perry County jail late Wednesday left one correctional officer dead, authorities said. 

No names and few details about the Wednesday night shooting at the jail in Perryville were immediately released.

A statement from Arkansas State Police said a 37-year-old man who had been arrested by Perry County deputies and was being booked into the jail at the time of the shooting is being held in connection with the shooting.

State police were asked by the sheriff's office to investigate the shooting and more information would be released later Thursday, the statement said.

— The Associated Press

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