State authorities have been called to investigate an officer-involved shooting in the Soutwest Arkansas town of Wickes in rural Polk County.
The shooting happened late Saturday, July 19, 2025, at a home on Polk County Road 14, in Wickes, where a Grannis Police Department officer was called to assist in an eviction. When the officer approached the residence in his patrol vehicle, 65-year-old Darrin Laudermilk reportedly walked onto the driveway, brandishing a pistol and firing the weapon.
The Grannis officer returned fire, striking Laudermilk, who was declared dead at the scene by the Polk County Coroner. Laudermilk’s body was transported to the state Crime Lab for determination of official manner and cause of death.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Special agents will prepare an investigative file to submit to the Polk County Prosecutor, who will determine whether the lethal use of force was consistent with Arkansas law.
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