16-Year-Old Charged with Capital Murder in AR Officer's Death
A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with capital murder in the shooting death of an Arkansas police officer.

Lt. Patrick Weatherford
A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with capital murder in the shooting death of an Arkansas police officer. The teen was being held Wednesday at a juvenile detention center, reports the Associated Press.
Henry Boyce, Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, confirmed Wednesday he filed charges against 16-year-old Derrick Heard from Newport and 18-year-old Tyler Calamese in the death of Newport police Lt. Patrick Weatherford, reports KATV.
The other charges filed Wednesday against Heard were attempted capital murder, breaking or entering, theft of property, and possession of a handgun by a minor.
On June 12, Lt. Patrick Weatherford and Sgt. Shane Rogers responded to a call of a vehicle break-in near the area of Bowen Street and Newport Avenue. When Lt. Weatherford arrived at the scene, he saw an individual, later identified as Heard, fleeing the area.
Lt. Weatherford chased Heard on foot and Sgt. Rogers chased him in a patrol car. Heard is then accused of firing his gun, striking and killing Weatherford, and turning and firing the gun at Rogers.
The court documents say Heard admitted to the shootings and also admitted to breaking into a vehicle, stealing a purse, and fleeing when police approached.
An 18-year-old had previously been accused in the June 12 shooting, but Prosecutor Henry Boyce said that man will now just face charges of breaking or entering, theft of property, and furnishing a deadly weapon to a minor, the Associated Press reports.
More Patrol

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
