A Fort Smith police officer is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being shot by a suspect on a traffic stop.

 

The incident occurred early Sunday morning when Officer Kyle Newman made contact with a motorist in the southern part of the City. Newman suspected the driver identified as 27-year-old Joshua Keller of DWI. During the traffic stop, Keller produced a handgun and shot Officer Newman in the neck. Newman was able to return fire, but Keller fled the scene.

 

Police pursued the suspect who eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. Keller then exchanged more gunfire with police and was shot and killed.

 

Officer Newman was airlifted to a nearby trauma center where he remains in critical condition.