HAMPTON, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating a Trooper-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and resulted in the death of a Camden man. The shooting occurred after the suspect fired on officers multiple times and led officers and Troopers on a pursuit that spanned two counties.
At approximately 7:50 a.m., Ouachita County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence incident at a home on Ouachita 51. Deputies arrived and learned that suspect Clay Gresham, 43, had fled the scene.
Gresham was wanted on an unrelated warrant out of Dallas County.
Deputies located Gresham driving on Ouachita 154 and attempted to stop the fleeing suspect. After leading deputies down several county roads, the suspect reportedly stopped, exited his vehicle and fired on deputies with a handgun. The suspect reentered his vehicle and fled.
The suspect stopped again on Ouachita 55, blocking the roadway and exchanged gunfire with deputies, striking patrol units. Law enforcement lost sight of the suspect during a subsequent pursuit.
The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from ASP’s CID and Highway Patrol Divisions.
Investigators were able to locate the suspect in Calhoun County in the Woodberry area. Troopers from Troop F, Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Agents from the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force responded.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., the suspect vehicle was spotted on Calhoun County Road 219. While traveling on Highway 274 eastbound, Gresham fired at an ASP Trooper who was leading the pursuit. The Trooper returned fire, striking the suspect, who left the roadway and crashed.
Gresham was pronounced dead by the Union County Coroner. His body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where the official cause and manner of death will be determined.
No Troopers or officers were injured. ASP CID is investigating the death and the exchange of gunfire in Ouachita and Calhoun counties.
ASP’s CID will investigate the fatal shooting and prepare a case file for review by the Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, who will determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
