Jonesboro cop who shot and killed a man in Little Rock will not face charges

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock man who was shot and killed by a Jonesboro police officer has been exonerated.

The shooting death of 26-year-old Joseph L. McCrackin Jr. on January 9 will not result in charges being brought against Jonesboro Police Officer Zachary Hobbs, according to Arkansas State Police.

“Arkansas Code Annotated 5-2-610 (b)(2) allows the use of deadly force when an officer believes it necessary to defend himself or a third person from what the law enforcement officer reasonably believes to be the imminent use of physical deadly force,” wrote Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood in a letter to Arkansas State Police (ASP), dated January 19, 2024. “Ofc. Hobbs acted reasonably and was justified in using deadly physical force. This letter is your authority to close the use of force review as justified. No prosecution will follow.”

Hobbs was called to a residence in the 1100 block of West Jefferson Street at around 7:45 a.m. on January 9 about a fight that had broken out between McCrackin and his father.

A witness told dispatch that McCrackin was carrying a knife.

After arriving and engaging in a physical struggle with McCrackin, Hobbs pulled out his service weapon and struck McCrackin, according to reports.

At the scene, McCrackin was declared deceased.

In Hagood’s letter, she said, “ The suspect continued to use violent physical force on Officer Hobbs with no indication that he would stop until the officer was incapacitated or deceased. Additionally, the suspect reached for Ofc. Hobbs’ service weapon during the violent encounter.”