Two Forrest City, Arkansas, police officers were shot and injured Monday in a shootout with a man who had been threatening customers at a Walmart. The shooter was dead at the scene.

Neither officer reportedly was wearing body armor.

The St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office reported one of the officers had been shot several times and was in critical condition at Regional One Medical Center. The other officer was treated and released at another hospital. The officers were identified as Lt. Eric Varner and Det. Eugene Watlington, but it was unclear which one was critically injured.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division was aiding the investigation.

Few details were released about the shooter.

Little is known about the shooter at this time, but they were reportedly killed at the scene.

“The quick response of our officers saved a lot of lives today,” Mayor Cedric Williams told a press conference.

A spokesman for Walmart confirmed the company is cooperating with police. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has sent agents to help with the investigation.

Forrest City has a population of about 14,000 and is roughly 50 miles west of Memphis.

Walmart has limited some gun sales over the years after mass shootings but avoided halting them altogether
Walmart has limited some gun sales over the years after mass shootings but avoided halting them altogether AFP / Frederic J. BROWN
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