COMMUNITY NOTICE, Fort Smith Police Department Requests Independent Investigation

Fort Smith, Arkansas sent this bulletin at 09/04/2025 02:08 PM CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2025

CONTACT

Aric Mitchell

479-709-5000

info@fortsmithpd.org

COMMUNITY NOTICE

Fort Smith Police Department Requests Independent Investigation

Fort Smith, AR - On Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3, a person taken into custody by Fort Smith Police Officers became unresponsive while being transported to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center and died at a local hospital shortly thereafter.

At the request of Chief of Police Danny Baker, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Following their review, the FSPD will initiate an internal investigation to determine whether department policies and procedures were properly followed.

Chief Baker stated, “Transparency and accountability are crucial to maintaining the trust of our community. Any loss of life is a tragedy and should be heavily scrutinized, especially when it occurs under our watch. I have asked the Arkansas State Police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and we will fully cooperate with their efforts.”

Media inquiries into the current investigation should be sent to the Arkansas State Police. We will be able to release further information following the conclusion of that investigation and our internal review.

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