Lonoke County deputy charged with felony manslaughter in shooting death of teen

POPE COUNTY — After a bond hearing Monday morning, former Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sgt. Michael Davis is out on a $15,000 bond.

According to court records, Davis will be in court on Nov. 15.

Davis is being charged with felony manslaughter in the June 23 shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain of McRae during a traffic stop on State Highway 89.

Davis, who reportedly turned himself in to authorities around noon Friday, was taken to the Lonoke County jail and is being held at another, undisclosed jail.

Jeff Phillips, who was named special prosecutor for the case, reportedly received the deadly-force investigative file July 15 from the state police, who “did a really good job investigating the case,” he said. “They have been more than cooperative with me and helped me in every way.”

When Phillips announced that an affidavit on the case was presented to a judge Friday morning with an arrest warrant for Davis, the audience gathered at the courthouse burst in applause. One of the audience members could be heard saying, “Thank you, Jesus!”

Phillips said the investigation by the state police of the officer-involved shooting was requested after the shooting occurred at 7180 Arkansas Highway 189 S. in Cabot.

The case: “At approximately 3 a.m., Lonoke County Sheriff’s Officer Sgt. Michael Davis initiated a traffic stop near Mahoney’s Body Shop,” Phillips said. “Davis stopped a white GMC pickup truck that was operated by Noah Hunter Brittain.

As Brittain exited his truck, he moved to the rear of the vehicle as it was rolling backwards towards the front of Davis’ patrol vehicle. Davis fired one round – one round from his county- issued firearm – striking Brittain in the lower right neck. Brittain then fell to the ground.”

How many shots were fired by Davis had been in dispute, with at least one family members saying it was three.

“Davis notified his dispatch that shots had been fired and requested assistance,” Phillips continued. “The passenger, Jordan King, was detained by a Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office deputy. After placing King in custody, Davis and the deputy cleared the truck.

After they cleared the truck, they proceeded to render aid to Brittain.

Brittain was transported to Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock by MEMS [Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services]. Brittain later succumbed to his injuries.”

Phillips confirm that “after reviewing Davis’ body camera footage, it was determined that his camera was not activated until after the shot was fired.”

Davis was fired by Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley on July 1 for violating policy by not having his body camera on during the fatal shooting.

Phillips said when Davis was interviewed, the deputy told investigators “that at approximately 3 a.m., he was traveling southbound on state Highway 89 south near Forbus Road where he observed a white GMC truck. As he initiated the traffic stop on the truck, he continued briefly in the southbound lane, crossed the center line and stopped in the northbound lane.

Davis says before he could put his vehicle in park, he heard the truck’s engine rev up and then begin to travel southbound in the northbound lane.”

“Davis did not notify dispatch on the radio that he was in pursuit because he realized the truck was attempting to turn left into Mahoney’s Body Shop,” Phillips said. “He indicated before he could get his patrol vehicle in park, Brittain opened his door and quickly exited the vehicle. Davis observed that Brittain tripped on the gravel as he was moving quickly to the rear of the .”

Phillips said, “He gave several commands,” before correcting himself to say, “He alleges he gave several commands.” However, Davis reportedly said “Brittain did not comply with his commands to get back in the truck.”

“Davis observed the truck rolling backwards toward his patrol vehicle,” Phillips said. “He continued, he alleges, to give commands, instructing Brittain to show his hands and to stop.

“Davis said Brittain began reaching with both hands into the bed of the truck.

He indicated that as Brittain began to bring his hands from the bed of the truck, he discharged his weapon one time toward Brittain. Davis says as he observed the bullet strike Brittain, a container came from Brittain’s hands that originated from the bed of the truck. The container landed on the ground.”

Davis reportedly “was asked to clarify if he could see Brittain’s hands or see what was in Brittain’s hands prior to discharging his county-issued firearm,” Phillips said. “Davis replied he could not see Brittain’s hands nor what was in his hands prior to discharging his countyissued firearm.”

Asked about the cirumstances of the case, Phillips said, “This defendant will be treated as anyone else,” before noting that “emotions are going to continue to run high.”