Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has concluded that three Pine Bluff Police Department officers were legally justified in their use of deadly force during a November 2025 incident that followed reports of gunfire and a high-risk pursuit through a residential neighborhood.
Prosecuting Attorney S. Kyle Hunter announced the determination after reviewing findings from an independent investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police. The review concluded that Officers Corey Lowery, J.L. Williams, and Derek Johnson acted within Arkansas law during the encounter on Nov. 21, 2025.
Incident Began With Reports of Gunfire
At approximately 10:23 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired near 32nd Avenue and Plum Street. Upon arrival, they located multiple expended shell casings and magazines, prompting a search for victims and additional evidence.
While officers were securing the scene, a blue sport utility vehicle entered the perimeter and ignored commands to stop. One officer observed a firearm in the lap of a backseat passenger, later identified as Jeremy Lawrence, who reportedly shouted, “Go,” as the vehicle sped away, nearly striking an officer.
Police initiated a pursuit using lights and sirens. During the chase, the SUV ran two stop signs and exceeded 50 mph in a 35 mph zone before slowing on 27th Avenue.
Armed Suspect Flees on Foot
Lawrence exited the vehicle while it was still slowing down. Officers reported he was wearing a black mask and blue latex gloves and carrying a Draco-style pistol. According to police accounts, Lawrence briefly pointed the firearm at officers before fleeing between nearby residences.
Officers pursued him through yards, across 27th Avenue, and into a wooded area between 27th and 28th avenues. They reported that he ignored commands to drop the weapon.
In the wooded area, officers stated Lawrence stopped, turned toward them, and raised his hands from his waist in a way they believed indicated he was about to fire. Officers then discharged their weapons. When Lawrence indicated he was surrendering, officers moved in, handcuffed him, and immediately began medical aid, including applying tourniquets.
He was transported by EASI ambulance to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Independent Investigation and Legal Review
At the request of the Pine Bluff Police Department, Arkansas State Police conducted an independent investigation. Investigators retraced Lawrence’s path, recovered his cellphone, collected shell casings from officers’ firearms, and located the Draco-style pistol in a fenced backyard behind a residence on 27th Avenue.
The review was conducted under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-2-610(b), which outlines when law enforcement officers are justified in using deadly physical force. The statute allows such force when an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to arrest or prevent the escape of a person believed to have committed a felony and who is armed or dangerous, or to defend against the imminent use of deadly force.
Based on the totality of circumstances — including the initial gunfire reports, Lawrence’s possession and display of a firearm, his flight from officers, the alleged aggravated assault when exiting the SUV, and his actions in the wooded area — the prosecutor determined the officers reasonably believed he posed an imminent threat.
Accordingly, the use of deadly force by Officers Lowery, Williams, and Johnson was found to be legally justified under Arkansas law.
