TEXARKANA, Ark. — A man wanted on a felony warrant died after shooting himself during a tense encounter with law enforcement, while an officer who also fired his weapon has been cleared following an investigation.
According to the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, officers were notified April 12, 2026, around 4:15 p.m. by the Arkansas State Police about a planned warrant service involving 46-year-old Tommy Sevier.
Authorities said Sevier had an active felony warrant issued through the Arkansas Post Prison Transfer Board and was believed to be traveling in a white GMC Terrain near Dooley Ferry Road.
Around 6:23 p.m., troopers located the vehicle traveling west on Dooley Ferry Road. Officers from the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department and the Miller County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist.
Officials said Sevier appeared agitated and told officers he did not want to return to prison. During the encounter, he acknowledged having a firearm and surrendered one weapon to Trooper Miller.
As officers continued attempting to de-escalate the situation, a deputy positioned a patrol vehicle in front of Sevier’s vehicle to prevent him from leaving.
Moments later, Sevier produced a second firearm and held it against himself. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon.
Investigators said Sevier attempted to fire the weapon, but it initially malfunctioned. He then manipulated the firearm and discharged it, inflicting a fatal wound on himself, according to findings from the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Crime Lab.
At the moment the shot was fired, Officer Jackson Thornell, believing Sevier was attempting to shoot at officers, discharged his service weapon, striking Sevier in a non-critical area. Authorities confirmed the officer’s gunfire was not the cause of death.
Officers on scene attempted life-saving measures before Sevier was transported to a local hospital, where he died.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department conducted an internal review alongside the Arkansas State Police investigation and determined Officer Thornell acted in accordance with department policies.
The Eighth South Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office also reviewed the case, with Prosecutor Connie Mitchell determining the officer was justified in discharging his weapon.
Officials described the incident as a rapidly evolving and high-stress situation and expressed condolences to Sevier’s family.
