Benjamin Prowell Obituary, Death – Arkansas State Police are releasing more details about a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place in Maumelle over the weekend. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Prowell from Conway, was killed in the incident.
State police reported that Maumelle Police Department (MPD) officers were assisting MEMS (Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services) with a disturbance involving Prowell in the 10000 block of Crystal Hill Road. When officers attempted to take Prowell into custody, he allegedly brandished a knife.
MPD officials noted that efforts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful, and Prowell advanced toward the officers with the knife. Officers deployed a Taser, but it did not subdue him. As Prowell continued to approach, the officers resorted to using their firearms, striking him.
Prowell was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 4 p.m. on Saturday. No officers were injured during the incident. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is conducting an investigation and will compile a case file to submit to the Pulaski County Prosecutor. The prosecutor will review the file to determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was lawful.