LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Willie Joe Larry-Purdiman, 23, of Jacksonville. The incident occurred on Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 3 p.m. in the 7900 block of Baseline Road in Little Rock.
Officers with a U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern Arkansas task force attempted to arrest Larry-Purdiman for multiple outstanding warrants. He had recently failed to appear for a sentencing hearing for several violent felony charges out of Pulaski County. USMS tracked Larry-Purdiman to the Baseline Road Walmart.
As task force officers attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle occupied by Larry-Purdiman and another person near the south Walmart entrance, he exited the front seat passenger side and fled on foot across the intersection into a gas station parking lot.
Armed with a fully automatic handgun, Larry-Purdiman opened fire on officers as he fled across the parking lot. Officers returned fire.
During the pursuit, an officer’s vehicle struck a fuel pump, causing it to become fully engulfed in flames.
The suspect succumbed to injuries behind a business across Baseline Road and was pronounced dead after paramedics administered lifesaving measures.
No civilians were injured during the incident. No law enforcement officers were hurt by gunfire but one officer was injured during the pursuit. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
ASP Special CID agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Pulaski County Prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by law enforcement was consistent with Arkansas laws.
