Man charged in fatal shooting of Arkansas police officer
An 18-year-old has been charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of a decorated Arkansas police officer.
Newport Police Lt. Patrick Weatherford was investigating a vehicle break-in Monday night. When officers arrived on scene, Arkansas State Police allege that's when Tyler Calamese fled the scene with the officers in pursuit.
Calamese allegedly turned and fired shots at the officers during the foot-pursuit, which is when Officer Weatherford was shot. The bullet lodged near his heart and he died at Uniter Health-Harris Medical Center later that night. The Arkansas State Crime Lab confirmed the shot killed him.
Officer Patrick Weatherford (left) was killed in the line of duty. Tyler Calamese (right) allegedly shot the officer during a foot pursuit on Monday
The suspect turned himself into police Monday night. Calamese's grandmother, Janet Reynolds, claims he did so to clear his name, and she is standing by her grandson.
Reynolds, speaking to KATV said: 'Tyler is an easy-going person. He didn't meddle with people, he didn't start fights, and for them to say that he did this is just not - that's not true. That's not Tyler.'
Weatherford, 41, was a decorated 15-year police veteran who was honored just last year as the Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Fallen Officer Weatherford pictured with wife Kristen Weatheford. he also leaves behind two children
The scene in Newport Monday night as police piece together how their colleague was killed
Weatherford also graduated from the FBI National Academy Program and he was one of only three members from Newport to be accepted.
Reynolds spoke high praise of the fallen officer.
'I'm very sorry for what has happened,' she said. 'Everyone in this town loves Patrick Weatherford. He was a great officer and detective.'
Reynolds added: 'I've known him personally, he was a great friend. I've talked to him several times. You couldn't ask for a better cop. I'm sorry for the family, but my grandson did not do this, he does not have the demeanor to do this.'
The grandmother, who sat in on Wednesday's bond hearing, says her grandson is innocent, and told reporters Calamese has never been in trouble, and was an 'A and B student.'
The Jackson County Court Judge ordered no bond for Calamese during the hearing.
Calamese attending a prom (left), his grandmother (right) says he was never in trouble and a good student
The 15-year police veteran's colleagues consoled one another at Newport's Remmel Park, the scene of the shooting, hours later
Calamese is being defended by Chris Nebben and Gina Reynolds from the capital conflicts office with the Arkansas Public Defenders.
His mother, Shanika Reynolds, said she had found private attorneys to represent her son. 'My son is a good kid,' Shanika said. 'My son is no killer.'
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Calamese confessed to firing shots toward Weatherford, lead state police investigator Wendall Jines told the courtroom. However, Calamese mumbled to a waiting reporter outside that he is not guilty.
Jackson County Court Judge Barbara Griffin scheduled Calamese's next hearing date for June 20 in Jackson County Circuit Court. The two public defenders representing the teen declined to speak on his behalf.
The law enforcement community has gathered their support for the Weatherford family. 'Today is a tragic day for law enforcement,' Arkansas State Police Col. Bill Bryant said. 'Every available resource in Arkansas will be working on this case.'
On Tuesday, divers took took to Newport lake, inside of Remmy Park, in search of the murder weapon.
'We're hurting,' Newport Police Chief Michael Scudder, said adding, 'Patrick was a good friend to everyone he met. We will miss him.'
This is the second killing of an officer in Arkansas this year, however there hasn't been an officer killed in Newport since 1918, according to Col. Bryant.
Doors to the police department and city hall are adorned with white flowers and a black ribbon. Flowers, a poster and a burning candle memorialize Weatherford at the entrance to Remmel Park.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said at a Wednesday news conference that he has asked for $10,000 to be allocated to a fund for fallen officers, so Weatherford's family may get $5,000 in immediate relief. Weatherford leaves behind his wife, a 21-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son.