Holly MatkinAlexander, AR – Alexander Police Department (APD) Officer Scott Hutton died on June 3 following an accidental shooting, according to his department.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of one of our officers,” the APD said in a Facebook post on June 4. “Officer Scott Hutton was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow, off-duty, officer last night.”
The incident occurred at a home on Evergreen Drive at approximately 7 p.m., KATV reported.
When Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies arrived at the scene, they found 36-year-old Officer Hutton lying outside the residence, suffering from a gunshot wound.
A fellow APD officer was attempting lifesaving measures at the time, KATV reported.
Officer Hutton was rushed to a hospital in Little Rock, where he was pronounced dead.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is handling the ongoing investigation into the shooting, the APD said.
According to the ASP, the off-duty officer and one other person who was at the home at the time of the shooting have been questioned, KATV reported.
Once the criminal investigation is complete, it will be turned over to prosecutors to determine whether the shooting was accidental or if criminal charges should be filed, the ASP said.
“Please keep both families and our department in your prayers,” the APD said in the Facebook post.
According to a fundraising page established by the APD, Officer Hutton served two tours in the U.S. Army National Guard before he was medically retired.
He then “achieved his dream of becoming a police officer,” the department said on the fundraising page.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson described Officer Hutton as “a devoted public servant,” in a proclamation on June 9.
“Officer Hutton’s selfless and brave nature was a shining example of his dedication to uphold law and order on a daily basis despite dangerous circumstances and his own personal safety,” Hutchinson said. “As a patrol officer for the City of Alexander, Officer Hutton displayed courage, dedication, and a selfless nature when he answered the call to defend the lives of his fellow Arkansans and of all Americans.”
Hutchinson further noted that Officer Hutton is “worthy of our remembrance.”
Officer Hutton leaves behind his wife of five years, Brittany, as well as his parents, brother, niece, nephew, and many friends and extended family members.
He was laid to rest on June 9.
Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff in honor of Alexander Police Officer Scott Hutton. The flag will remain at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
Proclamation – https://t.co/2StVewm70f pic.twitter.com/Hb5O123ieI
— Arkansas Senate (@ArkansasSenate) June 9, 2020
State Police are investigating the killing of Alexander PD Officer Scott Hutton. A family friend shared this photo with us. Tune in at 5&6 to hear what police know so far @KATVNews pic.twitter.com/Tclbbn7B62
— Alex Burch (@KATVAlex) June 4, 2020
In Memory of Fallen Officer Scott Hutton https://t.co/TIxNb6T37d
— Brandon Jacks (@bjacks1981) June 18, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alexander Police Department Officer Scott Hutton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
