In a harrowing incident at the Lewis Crossing Shopping Center in Conway, Arkansas, an armed man was shot and later died after opening fire on police officers on Saturday morning.

According to authorities, the Conway Police Department responded to a report of a man who had aggressively driven his vehicle into a massage therapy business at the shopping mall. Upon arrival, a SWAT team discovered the armed individual had barricaded himself in a room.

While officers from the Conway Police Department were attempting to communicate with the suspect, he fired shots at them. In response, the officers returned fire, hitting the man. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the exchange.

The injured man was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. As of now, the identity of the deceased individual has not been released by officials.

Officer Shad Foley, spokesperson for the Conway Police Department, stated that the investigation is ongoing and they are working on determining the reasons behind the man's actions. It is yet to be confirmed whether charges will be filed against him.

Photographs and video footage captured by local television stations showed the man's white SUV completely inside the Massage Envy storefront. At one point, an armored police vehicle was stationed outside the mall.

As a precautionary measure, nearby businesses were evacuated, ensuring the safety of customers and employees during the standoff. Onlookers captured footage of members of the SWAT team forcefully entering a restaurant adjacent to the massage business. Both establishments had their front windows shattered.

In accordance with standard procedure, the Arkansas State Police will investigate the incident, as is customary when local law enforcement officers are involved in a shooting. Cindy Murphy, a spokesperson for the state police, shared that the findings of the investigation will be presented to local prosecutors to determine whether any laws were violated.

Conway Police Department has placed at least two officers on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.

Eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the terrifying ordeal. Ashley McCoy, general manager of a nearby Crumbl Cookies location, recounted that she heard what she believed to be gunshots as she was opening her store that morning. The incident caused panic among employees and customers, with many reaching out to loved ones for reassurance.

As the investigation into this tragic event continues, the community of Conway, Arkansas, remains on edge, awaiting further updates and answers surrounding the motive of the armed man's actions.