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Cliff notes:
In Brief:
-Officer Schmidt was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop around 11:30pm Tuesday near Cottonwood Manor Apartments
-37-year old Jerry Lard faces charges in the incident
-Schmidt recently recognized by Red Cross for saving child using CPR
-Fund being established for Schmidt's three children
TRUMANN, Ark. - One man is in custody in connection with the shooting death of a police officer in Northeast Arkansas. Investigators in Poinsett County said Trumann Police Officer Jonathan Schmidt was shot late Tuesday night during a routine traffic stop.
Patrolling as Usual
It was nearly 11:30 on Tuesday night and Trumann's recognized "Hero Cop," 30-year old Jonathan Schmidt, was as usual on patrol to protect and serve. What caught his eye was a license check which showed the 2002 Hyundai in front of him was not covered by liability insurance.
According to Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler, "Trumann Police officer Jonathan Schmidt, a four year veteran of the police department, initiated the traffic stop along Pine Street near the entrance to Cottonwood Manor."
A Horrific Turn of Events
According to witnesses, Schmidt started pulling the four passengers individually out of the car because of existing warrants as his back-up, 41-year old Cory Overstreet, arrived. However what should have been a routine traffic stop tragically turned into every law enforcement officer's worst nightmare.
"We heard some kind of gunshots. Well, I thought it was a CO2 cartridge paintball gun. It said, ta, ta, ta, ta. So, Hannah jumped over there beside the car and when she did she saw dude fall and a whole lot more gunshots was going on," described witness Justin Dunavin. "My sister-in-law was in the car and she was fixing to get handcuffed 'cause she had a warrant… Three people had warrants. It was point blank range. It was right that close. 'Boom!' as soon as he opened the door."
The Arkansas State Police charge Schmidt was the victim of a fatal gunshot wound after he tried to pull 37-year old Jerry Lard out of the car. After Schmidt's shooting, Lard exchanged gunfire with both officers. Lard and Overstreet were taken to a hospital for medical treatment, where Lard remains.
"There aren't any other suspects that we're interested in, in connection with his murder," Arkansas State Police Investigator Brant Tosher stated. "Both the officers had their car cameras activated and video taping during the incident and we've had a chance to review those and it's going to be a critical piece to our investigation, and what we're going to present to the District Attorney."
A Hero Lost Too Soon
Just last May, the popular and well-regarded Schmidt was honored after being credited with saving the life of a one-year old child at the Holden's Apartments in Southeast Trumann while on duty.
"He took action. He did CPR on the child and saved the child's life. He did receive a reward from the National Red Cross for that," said Trumann Police Chief Tony Rusher. "We're all hurt and grieving. Like I said, not only was he a fine police officer, he was a husband and a father of 3."
A fund is being established for the Schmidt family that includes children ages 12 and 10 years old, and 18-months old.
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