Hero Down: Jonesboro Police Officer Zachary Barton Killed In Head-On Crash

Portia, AR – Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) Officer Zachary Barton was killed in a head-on collision on June 21.

According to an Arkansas State Police (ASP) crash report, the off-duty, 28-year-old officer was traveling southbound on U.S. 63 in a 2016 Jeep Cherokee at approximately 9:33 p.m. when a northbound 2007 Dodge Caravan crossed over the centerline and into his lane, KATV reported.

The vehicles collided head-on, killing officer Barton and critically injuring his wife, 28-year-old Elaina.

The driver of the van, 38-year-old Nicholas McCarroll, was also killed in the crash, KATV reported.

The ASP said the roadway was clear and dry at the time of the fatal collision.

According to witnesses, the van was driving at a high rate of speed without its headlights activated moments before the crash, Imboden Live reported.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own,” the JPD said in a Facebook post on June 22. “Patrolman Zachary Barton and his wife were involved in a head-on collision in Lawrence County. Patrolman Barton died on the scene and his wife was airlifted in critical condition.”

Officer Barton served with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Black Rock Police Department prior to joining the JPD on March 30, Imboden Live reported.

In addition to his wife, Officer Barton leaves behind his two young daughters, Hannah and Zoey, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his parents, sister, grandparents, and many friends and extended family members.

Officer Barton was laid to rest on June 27.

Happening today, a fundraiser for the family of Jonesboro police officer Zach Barton, who died in a wreck Sunday night. Shadrachs Coffee will host the event today from 2 to 5 p.m. at all of their Jonesboro locations. @Region8News pic.twitter.com/0W5hgDAhtQ

— Destiny Quinn (@DestinyQuinnTV) June 25, 2020

Flags in the City of Jonesboro half mast until sunset Saturday June-27th in honor of Jonesboro Patrolman Zachary Ryne Barton pic.twitter.com/7ea3vxUD01

— Jonesboro E911 (@D1Jonesboro) June 25, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jonesboro Police Department Officer Zachary Barton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.