Arkansas State Police Investigate Death of Man in Fort Smith Custody

Christopher Cody Burns, 41, died while in the custody of the Fort Smith Police Department after fleeing a crash involving a stolen vehicle near Life Church. Witnesses reported that Burns caused a disturbance inside the church and was restrained by church staff before police took him into custody. Burns was found unresponsive in a patrol vehicle upon arrival at the Sebastian County Detention Center, and despite life-saving efforts and emergency medical transport to Baptist Health in Fort Smith, he was pronounced dead. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) are conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and will present their findings to the Sebastian County prosecuting attorney. Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker has requested the ASP investigation and pledged full cooperation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining community trust. Following the state police inquiry, the Fort Smith Police Department will conduct its own internal review to ensure department policies and procedures were properly followed.