Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson confirmed on Friday that the officer involved in the May 18 shooting that resulted in the death of 30-year-old Terrence Dawson has been assigned to administrative duty while the Arkansas State Police continues to investigate the incident.
The officer, who had been on administrative leave, will continue to serve in some form of administrative assignment until the ASP investigation is completed, according to Thompson. Following the investigation, Thompson said a decision will be made about whether or not the officer will be allowed to return to patrol duty.
"We had the officer on administrative leave; he was still being paid; we just decided to put him on administrative duty now," Thompson said. "I've had a few of conversations with (Bill) Adler at the State Police, and while we're hopeful, we still don't know what's going to happen in the end. If any criminal charges were to be brought up as a result of the Arkansas State Police's investigation, then of course, we'd have to go in re-evaluate the situation with the officer, but that hasn't happened yet."
Thompson also added that since the investigation is being conducted by the ASP, not the BPD, he doesn't have the authority to release any more information.
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com