Prosecutor deems deadly Springdale police shooting justified

Kyler Swaim
·1 min read
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Editor’s Note: The video in this story may be disturbing to some. Viewer’s discretion is advised. 

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Durrett determined a Springdale police officer was justified in using deadly physical force when he shot a man last month, according to a release from the Springdale Police Department.

SPD said Cpl. Danny Wright shot and killed Dimitri Calvert, 30, on March 12. Wright responded to an incident after police received calls about a man reportedly damaging vehicles and threatening people in a neighborhood.

Springdale police: Man took hostage at knifepoint prior to deadly shooting

Wright arrived on the scene and approached Calvert who was standing in the roadway and holding a knife and a table leg, SPD said in a release.

Calvert took a bystander and held a knife to their throat during the encounter before Wright shot him. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.

Dashcam video shows Calvert holding a knife and grabbing a man as an officer tells him repeatedly to drop the knife.

Wright can be heard in his bodycam video saying, “I’m going to shoot you,” before shooting Calvert.

Wright was placed on paid leave during the investigation.

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