Authorities say three dead after Arkansas officer attacked with knife

Police in Arkansas said that three people are dead and a police officer was injured in a knife attack, USA Today reported Sunday.

Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) Chief Danny Baker said in a news conference that officers reported to the scene of a disturbance fight with weapons Sunday morning. 

Baker said officers found Christofer Conner, 40, attacking a 15-year-old teen with a rock. 

As an officer tried to restraint Conner, the suspect pulled out a knife and slashed the officer’s throat and neck, according to USA Today. 

According to The Associated Press the officer then fired two shots at Conner, killing him at the scene. 

The teen, identified as Conner’s son, was pronounced dead at the medical facility after suffering multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. 

Authorities also discovered the body of Julia Marie Moore, 42, who suffered multiple stab wounds at the scene, inside the home. 

A five-year-old child was found safe inside the house and has been placed with relatives, USA Today reported. 

“Fort Smith is a wonderful community and when unimaginable tragedies like this happen, they leave us scared, angry, frustrated, and for some, homeless,” Baker said. “It hurts us as much as it does each of you when an outcome like this is unavoidable.” 

FSPD spokesperson Aric Mitchell said the injured officer was in surgery and will be placed on administrative leave. 

The second officer at the scene will be placed on leave “pending post-critical incident treatment,” according to the department. 

FSPD has asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate the incident, USA Today noted.