Jefferson County, Arkansas – A Pine Bluff police officer has been arrested in connection with an Oct. 5 shooting in Jefferson County, becoming the second person taken into custody as authorities continue investigating the incident.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Franklin Jiles, an officer with the Pine Bluff Police Department, on charges of hindering apprehension or prosecution and furnishing a weapon to a felon.
Authorities said Jiles was “off-duty” when the shooting occurred.
His arrest follows the capture of 26-year-old Tarqi Jefferson, who faces multiple charges related to the shooting. Those charges include aggravated assault, terroristic act, possession of a firearm by certain persons and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, among others.
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The investigation began following reports of gunfire in the Sulphur Springs Road area on the evening of Oct. 5.
According to authorities, Jefferson reportedly shot at a vehicle near Sulphur Springs Road and Camden Cutoff Road sometime before 8 p.m.
Investigators initially believed Jefferson left the area on foot following the shooting. Law enforcement officers began searching the surrounding area as they worked to locate him.
The search continued for more than an hour.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Jefferson was captured by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Major Dennis Kendall said deputies located Jefferson in a wooded area just off Sulphur Springs Road.
Authorities subsequently arrested Jiles as part of the investigation, adding another development to the case.
The Pine Bluff Police Department also announced administrative action involving Jiles following his arrest.
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According to a news release from the department, Jiles has been placed on “administrative leave with pay until the completion of an internal review.”
The department’s internal review is separate from the criminal charges announced in connection with the Jefferson County investigation.
Officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the allegations against Jiles or specifically how he is believed to be connected to Jefferson and the shooting.
The charges against Jefferson include several serious allegations stemming from the incident. Along with aggravated assault and a terroristic act charge, authorities have accused him of illegally possessing a firearm and endangering the welfare of a minor.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to seek information related to the case.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is being asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
Tips and other information about the Sulphur Springs Road shooting can be provided directly to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Clayton Cantrell at 870-510-0354.
The investigation follows the Oct. 5 shooting near Sulphur Springs Road and Camden Cutoff Road, Jefferson’s capture later that night and the subsequent arrest of Jiles as the second person charged in connection with the case.
