Arkansas State Police released today they are investigating the death of a woman who reportedly fired shots at law enforcement early Saturday morning.
A release from Arkansas State Police stated that Lawrence County deputies went to a home on Lawrence 429 near Walnut Ridge at 3:15 am Saturday morning to check on a woman.
As officers entered the woman’s house to check on her they discovered Jennifer Shirley, age 44, was inside the house holding a gun.
Authorities stated she agreed to set the gun aside when one law enforcement fired a non-lethal device at the woman. Shirley then grabbed the gun and began shooting at law enforcement. Officers did not return fire at Shirley and retreated from the residence.
A perimeter was set up around the house and a line of communication was established with Shirley.
Communications continued until after 7 am according to authorities when smoke was reported coming from inside the house.
Fire fighters along with deputies entered the residence to extinguish the fire found Shirley deceased.
Shirley’s body is being sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy.
The case is being investigated by the Arkansas State Police.