Poinsett County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas
End of Watch: Thursday, April 24, 1997
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 24, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Deputy Sheriff James Harper was killed and another deputy was wounded after being shot while responding to a call of gunshots at a residence.
Deputy Harper encountered a vehicle involved in the incident on Arkansas 75 south of Marked Tree and began struggling with the subject. Deputy Harper was shot in the head at close range. The second deputy arrived moments later and saw the suspect standing over Deputy Harper's body. As the second deputy asked what was happening, the suspect opened fire and shot him in the shoulder and stomach.
The suspect was later found dead after being surrounded by members of Arkansas State Police in an abandoned house.
Deputy Harper had served with the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office for three years. He is survived by his wife and four children.