Mourners gather at first of 2 funerals for Arkansas police officers killed in shootout

Mourners gather at funeral for slain Ark. officers

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — Mourners are gathering for the first of two funerals for two Arkansas police officers killed last week in a shootout after a traffic stop.

Dozens of law enforcement officers quietly filed into the gym at the West Memphis High School alongside townspeople and other mourners for the ceremony Monday morning to honor Officer Brandon Paudert.

A service for Officer Bill Evans, also killed in the gunfight Thursday, was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

Floral arrangements provided the background for Paudert’s flag-draped casket.

Authorities believe the officers were killed in a shootout with an Ohio man and his teenage son who died in a later exchange of fire.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (AP) — Funerals for two Arkansas police officers slain in an exchange of gunfire after a traffic stop are set for Monday.

Sgt. Brandon Paudert and Officer Bill Evans were killed Thursday in West Memphis.

The occupants of the minivan the officers pulled over, 45-year-old Jerry Kane and his teenage son Joseph, also died in the gunfight in a Wal-Mart parking lot. The Crittenden County sheriff and a deputy were wounded in the shootout.

Authorities said the elder Kane used the Internet to question federal and local governments’ authority over him, and had a history of run-ins with police.

Services to honor 39-year-old Paudert at 10 a.m. and 38-year-old Evans at 2 p.m. are planned for in Lehr Arena at West Memphis High School.

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, www.arkansasonline.com