In Roland, Arkansas, a routine response to a medical emergency escalated into a fatal encounter involving Arkansas State Park Rangers. The Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating the incident, which occurred on the evening of May 25.

Authorities were initially alerted to a potential medical emergency at a residence on State Highway 300. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man with a significant head injury. As they began administering aid, they noticed another individual nearby wielding a large machete, prompting them to retreat and request law enforcement assistance due to safety concerns.

Given the rural setting and the proximity to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, three Arkansas State Park Rangers were dispatched to the scene. The armed individual was identified as 31-year-old Matthew Garrett from Judsonia. According to reports, Garrett advanced towards the rangers with the machete still in hand, leading the rangers to discharge their weapons. Garrett was struck and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The injured man was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, Garrett’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

Special agents from the Arkansas State Police CID are conducting a thorough investigation into the use of lethal force. Their findings will be submitted to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to assess whether the rangers’ actions were in accordance with Arkansas law.

Original reporting: 5NEWS / KFSM (Fort Smith) — read the source article.