Attorney: Accused Conway Cop Killer is Veteran with PTSD

The man accused of hitting and killing a Conway police officer is reportedly a war veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The suspects' attorney says his client is a celebrated war hero, one who was discharged from the military and is considered disabled for PTSD.

Barry Strickland is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence of drugs. He has bonded out of jail.

Last month, prosecutors say Strickland crashed into Officer William McGary while the officer was working an accident scene in Conway.

McGary died the next day from his injuries and plenty has been said about the officer's dedication to his job and his ultimate sacrifice.

But now we know more about Strickland, whose attorney says he's been deployed multiple times.

He now works for a railroad company and was headed for home the night of the wreck. His attorney says he was only on the drugs he's prescribed by a doctor.

Strickland's attorney says It's unclear, though, whether he was taking the right dosage of those medications.

According to court documents, Strickland admitted to running off the road at least twice before hitting the officer.