Neighborhood Shocked By Events Surrounding Officer-Involved Shooting
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: October 25, 2012
There's a peaceful calmness in a Russellville neighborhood Saturday.
A far cry from the intensity that filled the air less than 24 hours before.
"There were cops everywhere," said Josh Johnson. "Cops told us they wanted us to stay indoors in case shots were fired."
According to Russellville police, officers were called to this home after reports of a suicidal person, but it wasn't the first time they were contacted by the person that day.
Neighbors next to the home in the 400 block of West "I" Street said it was no stranger to officer's attention.
"Lately we've noticed cops driving up here three, four at a time," said Cory Byrum.
Ken Davis, who lives less than half a block from the home, said his son was driving past the scene when he noticed something was happening and got out of his car.
"Police yelled at him to get back in the car and back up," said Davis. "About that time, the shooting started and he said he seen the guy get shot."
Davis said his son, who's 26, was shaken up by what he saw, but he was glad officers were able to get the situation under control.
According to Arkansas State Police, 54-year-old Walter Hirsch exited the home and had a gun, which he aimed at officers.
"Doing what they trained to do,"said Byrum. "If they point a gun at you, shoot back. Keep yourself from getting hurt."
Hirsch was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later prounced dead.
Lately, Russellville has been dealing with a lot more violence -- gun violence," said Johnson. "There's no room for violence."
A far cry from the intensity that filled the air less than 24 hours before.
"There were cops everywhere," said Josh Johnson. "Cops told us they wanted us to stay indoors in case shots were fired."
According to Russellville police, officers were called to this home after reports of a suicidal person, but it wasn't the first time they were contacted by the person that day.
Neighbors next to the home in the 400 block of West "I" Street said it was no stranger to officer's attention.
"Lately we've noticed cops driving up here three, four at a time," said Cory Byrum.
Ken Davis, who lives less than half a block from the home, said his son was driving past the scene when he noticed something was happening and got out of his car.
"Police yelled at him to get back in the car and back up," said Davis. "About that time, the shooting started and he said he seen the guy get shot."
Davis said his son, who's 26, was shaken up by what he saw, but he was glad officers were able to get the situation under control.
According to Arkansas State Police, 54-year-old Walter Hirsch exited the home and had a gun, which he aimed at officers.
"Doing what they trained to do,"said Byrum. "If they point a gun at you, shoot back. Keep yourself from getting hurt."
Hirsch was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later prounced dead.
Lately, Russellville has been dealing with a lot more violence -- gun violence," said Johnson. "There's no room for violence."
