Career criminal shot, killed in armed robbery

Career criminal shot, killed in armed robbery

Suspect had lengthy rap sheet before fatal encounter

ralphhardin@gmail.com Arkansas State Police investigaors have identified the man who was shot and killed by West Memphis Police following an armed robbery at a West Memphis motel over the weekend.

The individual who reportedly brandished a gun at police and subsequently shot has been preliminarily identified as Olugbalah Ridley, 34, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Ridley has a history riddled with multiple proir offenses, including an armed robbery, last year in Tennessee, burglary, and was a registered sex offender in Indiana.

On Saturday, April 15, at approximately 7:03 a.m., the West Memphis Police Department responded to a robbery in progress at the America's Best Value Inn, located at 2411 E. Service Rd.

When officers arrived on the scene they conducted a search of the area and located the suspect in a nearby apartment complex,” explained WMPD Criminal Investigation Division Commander Capt.

Joe Baker. “The suspect, when encountered by officers, was armed with a handgun and refused officer's commands to drop the weapon. An officer discharged his weapon striking the suspect who later died from his injuries.

West Memphis officers secured the robbery location and the shooting location.

West Memphis Police Department officials have asked for the assistance of the Arkansas State Police in the investigation of an officer involved shooting that occurred earlier today.

In an initial report from the ASP, shortly after 7 a.m. police were alerted to an armed robbery at a West Memphis motel when they encountered an individual matching the description of the robbery suspect.

According to initial statements given to state police special agents, when local police approached the suspect at 2408 Talonwood the individual brandished a gun, leading police to fire on the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

No police officers were wounded. No bysatanders were harmed.

The body of the suspect will be turned over to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination.

Ridley was no stranger to criminal activity. In June 2000, Ridley was charged with Armed Robbery in Indiana, serving six years of a 15-year term.

In May 2008, Ridley was sentenced to 5 years in prison and required to register as a sex offender following a conviction of Criminal Deviate Activity and Burglary in Marion County, Indiana Circuit Court.

And in December 2016, Ridley was arrested for the armed robbery of Huntington Bank in Indianapolis of $15,000 in cash.

Although the suspect was not a local, Police Commision Chairman Councilman Willis Mondy said noted the incident could reflect badly on the community.

“I hate that it happened here in West Memphis, but our police officers need to stay safe,” said Mondy.

West Memphis City Councilman Marco McCelendon, who visited the scene Saturday morning weighed in as well. “I came because I was called by a lot of people in my ward asking me what was going on,” said Mc-Clendon. “Some were speculating. Anytime anybody is killed, you are concerned about your ward as well as the officers involved. The investigation is with the State Police Department so they are handling it. I am not saying our officers did anything wrong or blaming — we have to see what it’s all about and not just go by what is on Facebook.”

Upon completion of the investigation, Arkansas State Police Special Agents assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, will present an investigative file to the prosecuting attorney for determination of whether use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.

By Ralph Hardin