Ledger DC Journal - News, Politics & Crime

Speed traps and gunfire headline a wild story that won't help those that hate Arkansas jokes. Fire Chief Don Payne was shot by police officers after he complained to a judge about his second 'speed trap' ticket from the local police. In this tiny little Arkansas town of Jericho there are 174 residents and 7 police that apparently write tickets 365 days a year and like your local convenience store they are open and wring tickets 24/7. if you challenge the ticket in court - it appears you may take a bullet for your trouble.

Speed Trap and Gunfire: Arkansas Fire Chief Shot by Police Officer

The Associated Press reports that the reason the altercation stated was anger over traffic tickets. The story notes that is what brought the fire chief to court and the wire service has this wrap from a wild court room scene.


AP reports, "It's unclear what happened next, but Martin said an argument between Payne and the seven police officers who attended the hearing apparently escalated to a scuffle, ending when an officer shot Payne from behind. Doctors in Memphis removed a .40-caliber bullet from Payne's hip bone, Martin said. Another officer suffered a grazing wound to his finger from the bullet. Martin declined to name the officer who shot Payne, pending the outcome of an investigation. No charges have been filed, and it's unclear if the officer has been disciplined."

What a mess, is there really no governing authority over the officers? There's even more bizarre details from AP here with a discussion as well.