BNPD is continuing its investigation following an incident that resulted in an officer-involved shooting on Sunday, July 24 around 8:15 p.m. A traffic stop that began near Cox and Edison resulted in a pursuit which ended in the 2000 block of Kay Road.
The suspect, 42-year-old William Whitfield of Benton, succumbed to injuries sustained in the encounter and was pronounced deceased shortly after. The involved officer, Officer Brian Franklin, did not suffer injuries and continues to be on paid administrative leave pending results of the internal investigation and prosecutor review.
This investigation remains ongoing; additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information can contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5947 or 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent by texting “BENTONPD plus your message” to 847411, or via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play.