ASP ASSISTS IN ENDING ARMED STANDOFF; GIRL HELD HOSTAGE RESCUED

CROSSETT, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team assisted the Crossett Police Department (CPD) during a standoff with a barricaded, armed suspect Friday, October 30, 2026, that ended with a 16-year-old hostage being brought to safety. The suspect was found inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

CPD responded at about 2:15 a.m. to the 400 block of North Louisiana Street after receiving a report that Joe Washington Jr., 56, was armed and holding the girl against her will. Washington was pronounced dead this morning.

The girl’s mother told investigators that Washington had restrained her, forced her into a vehicle, and assaulted her over several hours before putting her in the trunk. She said she escaped by forcing the trunk open and jumping from the moving vehicle. She had visible injuries.

Officers established a perimeter and attempted to negotiate with Washington, who threatened to shoot if they did not move away. CPD requested assistance from the ASP SWAT, which took control of the scene and entered the apartment.

The girl was located and safely escorted out without life-threatening injuries. Washington was found critically injured inside and was airlifted to a Little Rock hospital, where he died.

“Our SWAT team has answered the call more than 210 times in the last year alone in support of our local law enforcement partners,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “Before we were able to stand up a full-time SWAT team a few years ago, we were handling an average of 10 annual activations. Now, we’re able to better serve local law enforcement agencies in need of our specialized personnel and equipment. I’m so proud of our Troopers for bringing this brave girl to safety.”

Washington’s body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine the official cause and manner of death.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.