Key Takeaways
- • Prosecutorial Determination: Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones ruled on July 6, 2026, that three Arkansas State Park Rangers were legally justified in their use of deadly force during the May 25, 2026 incident in Pulaski County.
- • Incident Details: Matthew Garrett, 31, of Judsonia, was fatally shot by state park rangers after advancing toward them with a machete following a 911 call for a medical emergency at a residence near Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
- • Response Protocol: Rangers responded to a rural location where first responders had withdrawn due to safety concerns after observing Garrett holding a large machete near an injured individual who was being treated for a head laceration.
- • Legal Standard Met: The prosecutor's finding determined that the rangers' use of lethal force was consistent with Arkansas law, concluding the shooting was justified under state legal standards for officer-involved incidents.
- • Prior History: A 2019 Arkansas State Police report documented a previous knife-related incident involving the same individual, Matthew Garrett, then aged 24.
Summary
Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones concluded that three Arkansas State Park Rangers acted lawfully in fatally shooting Matthew Garrett, 31, of Judsonia, during an officer-involved incident on May 25, 2026. The prosecutor's determination, announced July 6, 2026, marks the official legal resolution of the shooting following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division.
The incident originated with a 911 call received by Pulaski County Dispatch at approximately 6:15 p.m. on May 25, reporting a possible medical emergency at a residence in the 22000 block of State Highway 300 in Roland. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man with a significant head laceration and observed a second individual—later identified as Garrett—nearby holding a large machete. Concerned for their safety, the medical responders advised dispatch that law enforcement response was immediately necessary and withdrew from the scene.
Due to the rural location's proximity to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, three Arkansas State Park Rangers were dispatched to the residence. Upon encountering Garrett, who was armed with the machete, the subject advanced toward the rangers while holding the weapon. In response, the rangers discharged their firearms, fatally striking Garrett at the scene. The injured man originally discovered by first responders was subsequently transported to UAMS for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Garrett's body was conveyed to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for autopsy and determination of manner and cause of death.
The Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney's Office determined that the rangers' use of force was consistent with Arkansas law governing lethal force by law enforcement. Records indicate a prior 2019 Arkansas State Police incident involving Garrett, then age 24 and also of Judsonia, in connection with a knife-related matter. The prosecutorial ruling concludes the investigative phase of the May 2026 shooting without criminal charges against the rangers involved.
The incident originated with a 911 call received by Pulaski County Dispatch at approximately 6:15 p.m. on May 25, reporting a possible medical emergency at a residence in the 22000 block of State Highway 300 in Roland. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man with a significant head laceration and observed a second individual—later identified as Garrett—nearby holding a large machete. Concerned for their safety, the medical responders advised dispatch that law enforcement response was immediately necessary and withdrew from the scene.
Due to the rural location's proximity to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, three Arkansas State Park Rangers were dispatched to the residence. Upon encountering Garrett, who was armed with the machete, the subject advanced toward the rangers while holding the weapon. In response, the rangers discharged their firearms, fatally striking Garrett at the scene. The injured man originally discovered by first responders was subsequently transported to UAMS for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Garrett's body was conveyed to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for autopsy and determination of manner and cause of death.
The Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney's Office determined that the rangers' use of force was consistent with Arkansas law governing lethal force by law enforcement. Records indicate a prior 2019 Arkansas State Police incident involving Garrett, then age 24 and also of Judsonia, in connection with a knife-related matter. The prosecutorial ruling concludes the investigative phase of the May 2026 shooting without criminal charges against the rangers involved.
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