For the second time in less than a week, the Arkansas State Police have been asked to investigate a shooting involving a Pine Bluff police officer. State Police spokeswoman Trooper Elizabeth Chapman said in a press release that Vanna Johnson, 32, was shot Wednesday afternoon after she reportedly pointed a weapon at officers who had responded to a reported burglary at an apartment complex at 2920 S. Fir.
Johnson was taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center to be treated for what were described as “non-life threatening injuries.” After treatment, she will be taken to the adult detention center. The shooting occurred at about 2:45 p.m. Chapman said that when the officer arrived, he was immediately approached by Johnson in the parking lot of the complex. No officers were injured in the incident.
When the state police investigation is completed, the case file will be sent to Prosecuting Attorney S. Kyle Hunter to determine whether the use of deadly force by the officer was justified under state law. Police department policy requires that the officer, who was not identified, is placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the state investigation, as well as a department investigation to determine if department policies and procedures were followed.
State Police Special Agents are also still investigating a shooting incident involving a Pine Bluff officer that took place in the early morning hours Saturday when an officer fired shots at a suspect at 2015 Reed St. after responding to a reported burglary in progress. That officer was also placed on administrative leave with pay. The suspect has not been located.