Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – June 6, 2024 – A Craighead County grand jury decided not to charge a Bay police officer in a fatal accident in October 2023.
Arkansas State Police investigated the death of Steven Kyle McMasters in an incident near the intersection of McGough and Butler, near the Bay City Hall.
Bay Police Officer Christopher Shull reported that he was in pursuit of a side-by-side near the Bay City Hall.
A grand jury in Craighead County was divided deciding whether or not to indict Shull. Craighead County Circuit Clerk David Vaughn released the “no true bill” document signed by Second District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood and jury foreperson Brooke Guthrie. The document included a handwritten note “For: 8 Against: 8” indicating the grand jury was equally divided.
McMasters was operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at the time of the incident.
According to the call log, Shull reported he was in pursuit of a side-by-side, which he believed was possibly stolen, driving through yards southbound on Hwy 463.
Shull was reportedly driving an unmarked police vehicle, a black Ram 1500 pickup truck belonging to the Bay Police Department.
Having already hit the side-by-side once, Shull stated that he had hit the vehicle again and that it wrecked out around 11:17 p.m.
The call log states that Shull told dispatch that McMasters was bleeding from the nose and mouth, and to “get EMS here” at 11:20pm.
At 11:21pm, the call log states that the coroner was notified of the incident.
Following an Arkansas State Police investigation into the matter, Shull was fired in November 2023.
The Grand Jury agreed today that Christopher Shull’s pursuit of Stephen Kyle McMasters was “legal, justified, and necessary.” After seeing the evidence and videos, the Grand Jury voted to not charge Christopher Shull with any crime. Christopher Shull has been completely vindicated.
According to the Wood law firm, “Mr. Shull is pleased with the Grand Jury’s decision. He and his family have been vilified, intimidated, threatened and harassed as a result of this matter. Despite receiving letters from his Chief, Assistant Chief, and Sergeant clearing him of any wrongdoing in this matter, the Mayor and Chief of the City of Bay terminated and completely abandoned Officer Shull despite him doing nothing wrong.”
The release from the firm goes on to say “Officer Shull did not PIT Mr. McMasters as has been repeatedly alleged. While it is tragic, Mr. McMaster’s death was the result of his own actions and his extremely dangerous and reckless behavior. Fortunately, the Grand Jury reached the same conclusion after seeing the evidence.”