Records: Pearcy suspect fired first on authorities

Associated Press - November 26, 2009 11:34 AM ET

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) - A search warrant released by authorities indicates that deputies shot and killed a suspect after he initially fired on and wounded 1 of their colleagues.

The account of the shooting in the records released Wednesday marked the first time authorities had confirmed that Garland County sheriff's deputies had fatally shot 22-year-old Marvin Stringer.

The shooting occurred as deputies tried to arrest Stringer at a Hot Springs motel on Nov. 19. He was 1 of 3 men wanted in connection with the Nov. 12 deaths of 5 people during a botched robbery in Pearcy.

Authorities have cited a gag order in the Pearcy homicide case as a reason for not releasing information about Stringer's shooting.

Three Garland County deputies have been placed on routine, temporary leave with pay pending an investigation into the shooting.

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com