A 55-year-old North Carolina man who shot at pursuing police officers in an Interstate 530 vehicle chase about 11 p.m. Friday, July 17, was killed by return fire from a White Hall police officer near the 24 mile marker.
    The local officer, who has not been identified, was placed on administrative leave pending a review of an Arkansas State Police (ASP) investigation, according to White Hall Police Chief Noel Foster.
    Foster said the incident began when two local officers stopped behind Big Red Travel Plaza at 8110 Dollarway Rd. to investigate a pick-up truck parked behind the business. The pick-up had a North Carolina license plate.
    The officers were in the process of determining if the pick-up’s occupant – Michael Timothy Bost of Granite Quarry, N.C. – was wanted for any criminal violations when they discovered the suspect was armed. Foster said Bost had a “long gun.”
    Bost realized the officers had seen the weapon and subsequently drove away at a high speed in an effort to flee. The police pursuit then began with the ASP and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisting.
    Bost drove onto the interstate and endangered other motorists with his recklessness. During the northbound pursuit, he entered the southbound lanes and sped onward without activating the truck’s headlights. Foster said Bost narrowly missed collisions with several oncoming vehicles.
    During the chase, Bost fired several shots at the officers. Some of his rounds struck a police vehicle.
    The pursuit ended near the Jefferson exit when the White Hall officer shot Bost.
    “At this time, based upon the information provided to me, I am confident that the police officers involved performed their duties with professionalism and courage,” said Foster. No officers were injured.
    Results of the ASP investigation will be turned over to Prosecuting Attorney Steve Dalrymple, who will determine if the shooting of the suspect was justified.