Man wanted for shooting mother involved in Cross County shootout

CROSS COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - Arkansas State Police confirmed one of the two people involved in a shooting with police was accused of shooting their mother in Hokes Bluff, Ala.

In a news release on Thursday afternoon, Arkansas State Police said investigators responded to a shooting scene in Cross County around 2 a.m. Wednesday on State Highway 75, north of Coldwater.

ASP tells K8 News William Burchett, 54, and Tammi Naler, 47, led law enforcement on a chase that began in Crittenden County.

The chase went through rural Poinsett County before entering Cross County where spike strips were deployed on Highway 75.

“Officers returned fire, striking suspects William Burchett, 54, and Tammi Naler, 47. Naler died of injuries sustained in the incident,” the news release said.

ASP said Burchett was wanted in the Tuesday shooting of his mother.

He was also taken to St. Bernards Medical Center.

When our crew got to the area under investigation around 4 a.m., the highway was already closed.

Video from K8 News reporter Maddie Sexton showed sheriff investigators from Crittenden, Poinsett, and Cross County on Highway 75 early Wednesday morning.

ASP said there were no injuries among law enforcement.

Naler’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death.

Arkansas State Police says the investigation is still ongoing.

“An investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by officers was consistent with Arkansas law,” the release stated.

K8 News will provide further information as this story develops.

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