Arkansas State Police identify man shot by Bentonville police officer

BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (KNWA/KFTA) – The Arkansas Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a shooting in which a Bentonville officer shot and killed an assault suspect Thursday evening.

According to a press release, Bentonville police responded to a disturbance call on Southwest Castlewood Street around 6 p.m.

Officer Omri-Andrew Nutt located a suspect named Nathaniel Crabtree, 37, on Sandrock Road. Bentonville Police had previously stated that the suspect was involved in an alleged assault.

During the incident, Nutt shot Crabtree and he was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died, the press release said.

Nutt began working with the Bentonville Police Department in January 2022 and was placed on leave as per usual protocol.

“Agents from the ASP CID will prepare an investigative file and submit it to the Benton County District Attorney, who will determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law,” the press release said.

Crabtree’s body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where the manner and cause of death are being determined.