COTTON PLANT, AR – The First Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney has determined that a Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office deputy was justified in the use of force during an officer-involved shooting on August 8, 2025.

Deputies had responded late on August 7 to an assault call at a residence on Woodruff County Road 639 near Cotton Plant. One victim was transported to Unity Health – White County Medical Center in Searcy and later transferred to a Little Rock hospital for additional treatment.

As deputies worked to secure the scene, the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Thomas Dixon of Woodruff County, exited the home and advanced toward a deputy while ignoring commands to get on the ground. The deputy fired his weapon when Dixon continued to approach. Dixon was airlifted to UAMS for treatment.

At the request of the Woodruff County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated and submitted its findings to Prosecuting Attorney Todd Murray.

In a September 5 letter to Arkansas State Police, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Bell concluded that it was reasonable for the deputy to believe Dixon intended to cause serious bodily harm, citing the earlier assault and Dixon’s failure to comply with commands.