Former North Little Rock Police Officer arrested following officer-involved shooting
On July 19, 2024, at approximately 12:14 a.m., Officer Jesse Gossage, of the NLRPD, observed a red passenger car with an expired vehicle license plate traveling in the area of Buckeye St. and E. Washington Ave. Officer Gossage activated his patrol vehicle emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle pulled over near the intersection of E. Washington Ave. and Birch St.
The driver pulled to the side of the road, quickly exited the vehicle holding a small dark object and immediately fled on foot. Officer Gossage discharged his service weapon in the direction of the fleeing subject. Multiple shots, fired by the officer, struck an uninvolved, occupied vehicle. Additional officers responded to the scene and conducted a search for the fleeing subject. The subject was not located. There were no reported injuries associated with this incident.
Detectives were notified and responded to the scene to initiate an investigation. During the investigation, it was learned that Officer Gossage had violated NLRPD Policy regarding Response to Resistance and the Use of Deadly Force. Officer Gossage resigned on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Following consultation with the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office, it was determined that criminal charges would be brought against Officer Gossage. Detectives completed an affidavit, and a warrant of arrest was obtained on Monday, July 29, 2024. Officer Gossage surrendered to police and was taken into custody for one count of Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Battery and one count of First-Degree Assault. Officer Gossage has been transported to the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. Officer Gossage was employed as a NLRPD Officer for approximately 3 years and 11 months.
Chief Patrick Thessing has provided the following statement regarding the incident:
“The North Little Rock Police Department is committed to holding its officers to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. When those standards are not met, it is our duty to act decisively and in the best interests of our community. We pledge to uphold transparency and accountability, taking every necessary step to resolve the issue and preserve the trust placed in us by the public.”