Arkansas Police Chief, Deputy Reportedly Shot; Suspect in Custody

HACKETT, Ark. (TheBlaze/AP) -- Two law enforcement officers were shot Wednesday while responding to a call in western Arkansas, authorities said.

Officers surrounded a home in a rural, wooded area near Hackett where the alleged shooter, 34-year-old Billy Jones, was believed to be "holed up" inside, Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Lt. Philip Pevehouse told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

KHBS-TV later reported Jones that Jones surrendered. He is now in police custody.

Suspect Billy Jones surrendered himself and is now in custody @5NEWS pic.twitter.com/pMS75Z5sM3

— 5NEWSMeredithM (@5NEWSMeredithM) August 10, 2016

Jones was arrested earlier this year on gun-related charges, according to local media.

More from KHBS-TV:

The Sebastian County Sheriff's Department identified the suspect as Billy Jones of Greenwood. He was described as having negative feelings towards law enforcement.

Neighbors told 40/29 News they know Billy Jones and his family, and they own a large number of weapons at their home. Neighbors also said there is a strip pit behind the home.

The shooting happened Wednesday morning as the officers responded to an unspecified call for service, Pevehouse said. He said the injured officers were a local sheriff's deputy and a Hackett police officer. Hackett is about 115 miles west of Little Rock.

Pevehouse couldn't immediately be reached for comment by The Associated Press, and a sheriff's dispatcher hung up on a reporter. Arkansas State Police is providing assistance but referred calls to local authorities.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he didn't have details about the shooting but said it underscored the danger that the state's law enforcement officers face.

"It's a risky business and it really illustrates the importance of our support for law enforcement," Hutchinson told reporters at an event in North Little Rock.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, whose district includes part of Sebastian County, also didn't have details about the incident but echoed the governor's support for police statewide.

"This has to stop," Westerman said. "It's a shame the price that law enforcement officers are paying right now and, again, I don't know any details about what's happening here, but my heart and prayer is with them and their families."

This post has been updated.

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