PIKE COUNTY DEPUTY CLEARED IN OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING OF PIKE COUNTY WOMAN

On Monday, September 23, 2024, 9th West Judicial District Prosecutor Jana Bradford announced that the use of lethal force by a Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy was justified in an officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 29, 2024, resulting in the death of a local woman.

The incident prompted the Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) to request an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP).

On the day of the shooting, deputies responded to reports of a woman armed with a knife on Highway 84 West near Glenwood. The woman, identified as 43-year-old Jennifer Provence, did not comply with commands to drop the weapon. As a result, a deputy fired his service weapon, striking Provence, who succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Following the incident, ASP CID compiled an investigative file and submitted it to the prosecuting attorney’s office. After a thorough review, Prosecutor Bradford concluded that the deputy’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.