LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A shoplifting suspect was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer working security at a Walmart store in Little Rock, Arkansas, on New Year’s Eve. The incident occurred when Officer Kreshun King Sr. attempted to detain the suspect inside the store. According to Assistant Police Chief Joe Miller, the suspect pulled out a knife and cut Officer King’s hand during the confrontation.
Officer King, in response to the threat, drew his gun and ordered the suspect to drop the knife. Despite the officer’s commands, the suspect continued to approach him, prompting King to discharge his weapon. The suspect, identified as Benjamin McDaniel, 30, was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Following the shooting, Officer King received medical treatment for his hand injury and was subsequently released. As is customary in such cases, he has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.
The shooting has sparked discussions about the use of force by off-duty officers and the challenges they face in maintaining public safety. The investigation will aim to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the use of deadly force was justified.
While this incident is unfortunate, it serves as a reminder of the risks and difficult decisions that law enforcement officers often have to make in their line of duty.
