Bentonville Officer Cleared of Wrongdoing in Fatal Shooting
A Bentonville police officer involved in a fatal shooting on July 11 has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Prosecuting Attorney Josh Robinson made the decision after investigators found that the officer followed state law in using deadly force.
The incident began with a 911 call from a Stoneburrow neighborhood resident, reporting a disturbance involving Nathaniel Mark Crabtree, 37. Crabtree had allegedly assaulted two women outside their homes on Southwest Castlewood Street. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Amri Andrew Nutt was informed that Crabtree might be armed. When Crabtree refused to follow Nutt’s commands to get on the ground, Nutt shot him with a taser, which seemed to have no effect. Fearing for his life, Nutt fired one gunshot. Crabtree was transported to the hospital, where he ultimately died.
The investigation, led by the Arkansas State Police, found that Nutt had acted in self-defense. Nutt believed Crabtree posed an imminent threat of deadly force, justifying the use of force under Arkansas law. The incident is tragic, but Nutt’s actions were deemed reasonable given the circumstances.
Officer Nutt has been reinstated after being on paid administrative leave. The Bentonville Police Department requested an investigation by the Arkansas State Police, which was reviewed by Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robinson. The decision not to press charges against Nutt was made after careful consideration of the evidence.
This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations. While it is tragic that a life was lost, the investigation concluded that Officer Nutt acted within protocol and followed state law in his use of deadly force.
Key Points of the Incident:
- 911 call reported Nathaniel Mark Crabtree, 37, assaulting two women outside their homes on Southwest Castlewood Street.
- Officer Amri Andrew Nutt responded to the call, informed that Crabtree might be armed.
- Crabtree refused to comply with Nutt’s commands, leading to Nutt using a taser and then firing one gunshot.
- Crabtree died at the hospital after being transported from the scene.
- Investigation by the Arkansas State Police found Nutt acted in self-defense and followed state law.
