Use of deadly force deemed justified in March officer-involved shooting in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Officials with the Hot Springs Police Department are providing an update on Thursday following a deadly officer-involved shooting in March.

In a Thursday release, authorities said the use of deadly force by two officers during a shootout with 45-year-old Jody Lyn Lewis has been deemed justified after a review by the Garland County Prosecuting Attorney

Police said the shootout happened around 9:35 p.m. on March 11 after officers stopped the vehicle Lewis was in at the Albert Pike Car Wash located at 2000 Albert Pike Road.

Officers said they saw that Lewis had a gun when he got out of the car and that he started firing at the officers, injuring one of them. Department officials said police then shot back at Lewis, hitting him multiple times.

Lewis was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Arkansas State Police then began investigating the incident and the two officers were placed on administrative leave.

HSPD officials said the two officers have been released from administrative leave and will return to active duty. They also noted that the injured officer is expected to make a full recovery.

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