Bentonville Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting
In a recent development, Bentonville Police Officer Omri-Andrew Nutt has been cleared of any charges related to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Nathaniel Mark Crabtree on July 11. The decision was made by the 19th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Prior incidents had taken place, where Crabtree violently attacked two women in their neighborhoods before the officers arrived. On the day of the shooting, Crabtree was located by Officer Nutt on Sandrock Road, leading to the officer opening fire.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting ultimately led to Crabtree’s death at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robinson concluded that Officer Nutt’s actions were justified under Arkansas law, as he reasonably believed Crabtree posed an imminent threat of deadly force.
Officer Nutt’s actions were deemed to be self-defense, and thus, his use of force was considered justified. Since the incident, Nutt has been on paid administrative leave, having started his career as a BPD officer in January 2022.
The aftermath of the incident saw Officer Nutt remaining on paid leave, pending further review of the situation.