Death of a person in Fort Smith police custody under investigation

The death Wednesday (Sept. 3) of a person in the custody of the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) is under investigation by the Arkansas State Police (ASP), according to the FSPD.

Christopher Cody Burns, 41, of Fort Smith, was arrested by the FSPD on Wednesday after a vehicle crash near Life Church. Burns was driving the vehicle, which was reported stolen earlier in the day, and fled from the vehicle after it crashed, according to information from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the ASP.

“When arresting officers arrived at Sebastian County Detention Center, they found Burns unresponsive in the patrol vehicle,” noted the ASP statement issued Thursday (Sept. 4). “Officers attempted life saving measures and notified paramedics, who transported Burns to Baptist Health – Fort Smith, where he was pronounced deceased. ASP CID is investigating the circumstances surrounding Burns’s death and will present their findings to the Sebastian County prosecuting attorney for review upon completion of the investigation.”

The ASP investigation was requested by FSPD Police Chief Danny Baker. In a statement from the FSPD, Baker said he will conduct an internal review after the the ASP independent investigation “to determine whether department policies and procedures were properly followed.”

“Transparency and accountability are crucial to maintaining the trust of our community,” Baker said. “Any loss of life is a tragedy and should be heavily scrutinized, especially when it occurs under our watch. I have asked the Arkansas State Police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and we will fully cooperate with their efforts.”