PARAGOULD, AR – Taj Harris, 23, is headed to federal prison for a decade after pleading guilty to shooting at Paragould police officers. The incident, which unfolded near Walnut Street and Second Street, saw Harris actively firing at law enforcement who were attempting to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. The brazen attack forced officers to scramble for cover, narrowly avoiding serious injury.
The confrontation began when officers spotted Harris, already a convicted felon, walking in the area. Knowing about the existing warrant, they moved to take him into custody. Instead of complying, Harris allegedly pulled a handgun and opened fire. Another officer, believing his colleague was struck, returned fire, but Harris continued to flee, sparking a brief foot chase.
What could have been a far more tragic outcome was averted by an unlikely hero: a civilian. Armed with a golf club, the good Samaritan cornered Harris between a house and a fence, holding him at bay until officers could arrive and make the arrest. A search of the scene revealed the firearm used in the shooting – a stolen weapon equipped with a high-capacity magazine. The feds quickly took over the investigation.
The case didn’t end with the arrest. Federal prosecutors revealed that Harris, while incarcerated at the Greene County Jail, confessed to the shooting in a phone call to his mother. He reportedly admitted to intentionally firing at the officers and stated his intent to shoot them if they attempted to apprehend him. This admission proved crucial in securing the maximum sentence.
Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge carrying a potential 120-month sentence. On November 15, 2022, he entered a guilty plea. This week, Judge Lee P. Rudofsky delivered the sentence: 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Unlike state systems, there is no possibility of parole in the federal system; Harris will serve the full decade.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Paragould Police Department and the FBI, highlighting the cooperation between local and federal agencies in tackling violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow led the prosecution, presenting the evidence and securing the conviction. This case sends a clear message: attacking law enforcement will be met with the full force of the law.
The stolen firearm recovered at the scene is also being investigated for its origins, potentially uncovering connections to other crimes. Federal prosecutors are continuing to build a case against anyone involved in the illegal trafficking of this weapon. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.
While the officers involved escaped physical harm, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they face every day. The quick thinking of the civilian who intervened undoubtedly prevented a more catastrophic situation. This case underscores the importance of community involvement in keeping our streets safe.
Related Federal Cases
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly.
Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Little Rock GrimeLittle Rock GrimeLittle Rock GrimeLittle Rock Grime