Cabot, Arkansas – A suspect sought in connection with a shooting at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in April was arrested during a tense officer-involved shooting in Cabot on Thursday, April 19. The incident unfolded as Cabot Police Department (CPD) officers attempted to stop a stolen Land Rover, driven by 23-year-old Zion Jackson from Forsyth, Georgia, at the intersection of State Highway 5 and South Rockwood Road.
According to the CPD, officers first tried to stop the vehicle but were quickly led on a pursuit by Jackson, who refused to pull over. The chase escalated as CPD attempted to deploy spike strips in an effort to halt the stolen Land Rover. However, Jackson managed to avoid the spikes and continued driving recklessly. In a tense moment, Jackson reportedly drove directly toward the officers, prompting them to discharge their service weapons in self-defense.
Jackson’s escape attempt ended when the stolen Land Rover eventually veered off the road and into a ditch on John Hardin Road, stalling the vehicle. CPD officers quickly moved in and successfully apprehended Jackson. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident, and Jackson was taken into custody without further incident.
It was later revealed that Jackson was wanted by the Conway Police Department for his involvement in a shooting at UCA on April 19, in which he faced charges of committing a terroristic act and first-degree battery. Authorities had been searching for him in connection with the violent crime that occurred at the university earlier that day.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has been requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting. ASP CID Special Agents are tasked with reviewing the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be submitted to the Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether the officers’ use of force was in compliance with Arkansas laws.
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The incident adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation, as the investigation into Jackson’s actions both in Cabot and at UCA continues. Law enforcement agencies are expected to provide additional details as the case moves forward, and the community remains on edge as officials work to address the repercussions of both the shooting at UCA and the officer-involved incident in Cabot.
For now, Zion Jackson is in custody, facing serious charges that could have significant consequences for his future. The Arkansas State Police’s investigation into the officer-involved shooting will likely shed more light on the events of April 19 and the actions of the officers involved in Jackson’s arrest.
