FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – The use of lethal force by two Fayetteville Police Department officers has been ruled justified in the September 2025 shooting death of 42-year-old Brandon Poulter.
According to Fourth District Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter, the officers’ actions were consistent with Arkansas law.
On September 7, 2025, Fayetteville Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex in the 300 block of North Garnet Court. As officers attempted to make contact with individuals inside the apartment, additional gunshots were fired from within, targeting both the officers and an armored vehicle.
The suspect, identified as Brandon Poulter, continued to engage officers with gunfire. Officers returned fire, striking Poulter. He was later found deceased inside the apartment.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation at the request of Fayetteville Police and submitted their findings to the Prosecutor’s Office, which concluded the use of deadly force was lawful.
