Fayetteville police officers involved in fatal apartment gunfire exchange cleared to return to work

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Fayetteville Police Department says two of its officers involved in a fatal gunfire exchange at an apartment complex last month have been cleared to return to work.

FPD said on Sept. 7, officers responded to the 300 block of N. Garnett Court and were met with gunfire from the suspect, later identified as Brandon Poulter.

Poulter reportedly fired more than 50 rounds at officers as they attempted to negotiate with him. Residents were evacuated and the area was secured.

Corporal Jason Bailey and Officer Joseph Burns returned fire during the exchange. Poulter was later found dead in his residence, according to FPD.

Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds said that Bailey and Burns were cleared to return to duty on Oct. 3.

Reynolds released the following statement:

“We are deeply sorry for the loss of life in this incident. At the same time, I am extremely proud of Corporal Bailey, Officer Burns, and every officer who responded that day. They faced relentless gunfire for nearly an hour, and through their courage, professionalism, and teamwork, many lives were saved—including their own and those of nearby residents.”

FPD said the two officers were placed on administrative leave pending both a criminal investigation, conducted by the Arkansas State Police and reviewed by the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office, and an internal investigation, conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards.

Both investigations found that no laws were broken or policies were violated, and the officers were allowed to return to duty.