A man identified as 33-year-old Keivion Jones was shot and killed by police in Osceola, Arkansas on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred outside a residence on Donaldson Street. Arkansas State Police reported that three Osceola Police officers responded to the scene at around 9:38 a.m. after locating a vehicle that had been driven by a suspect who allegedly pointed a rifle at a convenience store employee earlier that morning.
According to the Osceola Police Department, Jones emerged from the residence and aimed a rifle at the officers. In response, the officers discharged their firearms, striking Jones. At the time, three individuals were inside the home. None of the officers sustained injuries during the encounter.
Family members of Jones informed WREG that he was a father of four and suffered from schizophrenia and PTSD. They stated that Jones was picking up his uncle when the shooting occurred and remained on the ground for several hours. Robert Jones, who identified himself as Keivion’s brother, claimed that the police received a call about a robbery at a gas station in town. He believes that the officers spotted his brother’s truck leaving the scene and followed him to his uncle’s house, where the shooting took place. Relatives asserted that Jones was unarmed, although his brother mentioned that he had a license to carry. However, video footage obtained by WREG appears to show Jones inside the gas station brandishing an assault-style weapon at a worker. A witness claimed that the police fired approximately 15 shots without issuing any commands other than “Come out, come out.”
The Arkansas State Police is conducting an investigation into the incident, and Jones’ body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for further examination to determine the cause of death. Following the shooting, tensions escalated as individuals breached the crime scene tape and confronted the officers. One person experienced a medical emergency due to overwhelming grief and required medical attention.
