October 9, 2015

The Blytheville Police Department and Arkansas State Police are continuing their investigations into the officer-involved shooting early Thursday morning. The suspects have been identified as 33-year-old David Pollock and 35-year-old Michael Bramlett, both of Dyersburg, Tenn., and 21-year-old Austin Bennett of Trimble, Tenn. Pollock and Bennett are both wanted on out of state felony warrants, according to a press release from Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson...

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The Blytheville Police Department and Arkansas State Police are continuing their investigations into the officer-involved shooting early Thursday morning.

The suspects have been identified as 33-year-old David Pollock and 35-year-old Michael Bramlett, both of Dyersburg, Tenn., and 21-year-old Austin Bennett of Trimble, Tenn. Pollock and Bennett are both wanted on out of state felony warrants, according to a press release from Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson.

"Pollock, the driver, was shot and transported to the Med in Memphis, where he is listed in stable condition," Thompson said. "Bennett, a passenger, was also shot and transported to St. Bernard's in Jonesboro, where he has since been released from medical care. Bramlett was uninjured."

According to Thompson, the suspects engaged in a high speed pursuit with officers, who deployed spike strips, partially disabling the vehicle.

"The suspects continued to flee in the vehicle to a remote field area outside of Blytheville where officers used their patrol vehicles in an attempt to box them in," Thompson said. "However, the suspects continued to resist the officers efforts to end the pursuit and apprehend them. Initial reports indicate that the suspects assaulted them with the vehicle to which the officers responded by firing on the occupants."

The Arkansas State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting that resulted in injury to the suspects.

"The State Police investigation will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney for review and a determination whether a use of force was consistent with Arkansas laws," Thompson said. "Charges against the suspects are pending at this time."

"The Blytheville Police Department is and will continue to conduct an internal investigation into the incident as well. Officers involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigations."

mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com

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