Prosecuting attorney rules ASP justified in fatal shooting of Jonesboro man

Gilmore, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — April 25, 2025 — Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood determined that law enforcement officers were justified in the use of deadly force in connection with a March fatal shooting of a Jonesboro man.

In a letter dated April 22, 2025, Hagood said the decision to use deadly force was ” both reasonable and justified in the circumstances.”

“The officers involved were faced with a grave and imminent threat to their safety and the safety of others,” Hagood wrote. “It is a testament to their professionalism and bravery that, despite the grave danger, no officer was injured during this highly dangerous encounter. Officers not only acted in self-defense but also made concerted efforts to save Mr. Versie’s life, even while under threat.”

According to a news release from Arkansas State Police, 54-year-old Joe Versie reportedly led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit from Poinsett County to Crittenden County on March 20 around 9:40 p.m.

The incident began when Versie reportedly fled from Poinsett County Sheriff’s (PCSO) deputies who attempted to conduct a traffic stop for reckless driving. Harrisburg Police (HPD) officers joined the pursuit before Arkansas State Police (ASP) assistance was requested.

A trooper ended the pursuit by employing a tactical vehicle intervention on Interstate 555 near the 3-mile marker. The suspect’s vehicle came to rest in the median and became engulfed in flames, the news release said.

As officers worked to extinguish the fire, Versie remained in the vehicle, reportedly ignoring commands from officers to exit the vehicle.

“Versie told officers he had a weapon. When he reached for a weapon, an ASP Trooper, PCSO and HPD officers discharged their service weapons, striking the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene,” the news release said.

ASP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Agents investigated the shooting and submitted a case file to the Crittenden County Prosecutor’s Office, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.