FORREST CITY, Ark. (localmemphis.com) – Two officers are injured and a suspect is dead after a shooting at a Walmart in Forrest City, Arkansas.
The Associated Press reports Arkansas State Police Spokesman Bill Sadler said local authorities have identified the suspect as Bobby Joe Gibbs, 40, of Forrest City, though the state crime lab has yet not confirmed his identity.
Police say the suspect was known to them. However, police tell Local 24 News they never thought he would do something like this.
“Itwas just gunshots, and everybody started running. Everybody started running. Itwas scary,” said Jaleshia Hill, a shopper.
Hillwas inside the Walmart Monday morning when a man with a gun opened fire.
“It’sjust not safe anymore,” said Hill.
Ithappened just before 10:30 a.m. Monday. Forrest City police received acall from someone inside the Walmart. They said a man was acting suspiciouslyand making threats.
LieutenantEric Varner and Detective Eugene Watlington were the first to respond,approaching the gunman near the grocery section.
Shortlyafter, police say the man shot at the officers, who returned fire.
“Officersengaged the suspect. The suspect is deceased. Two of our officers have beeninjured,” said Cedric Williams, Forrest City Mayor.
Thetwo officers are a part of the Criminal Investigation Division and were inplain clothing. They were not wearing protective vests.
“Itwas due to their heroic response that no civilians were injured,” saidWilliams.
Detective Watlingtonwas taken to Regional One.
Lieutenant Varner wastreated and released from Forrest City Medical Center.
“Whetherit’s police or law enforcement period, you don’t wake up in the morning (and)imagine that something like this is going to happen. But unfortunately, that’sthe business that we’re in. All these guys know the risk and they welcome thechallenge,” said Deon Lee, Forrest City Police Chief.
Hoursafter a shooting took place inside this Walmart in Forrest City, Arkansas,residents are still in shock. Sarah Williams, an Arkansas resident, cameto the Walmart after hearing what happened.
Shesaid, “I was like, ‘oh my God. Why?”
Williamsknew some of the employees who were working during the time of theshooting.
“Iasked God to cover them because you never know. Thank God nobody else gothurt,” said Williams. “I pray for that family that the young (man) that gotkilled. I pray for them. I pray for the officers that got hurt.”
Policewill be reviewing cameras inside the store as well as any bodycam footage.
This is an activeinvestigation. Arkansas State Police have now taken over.
Walmart issued the following statement: “We are aware of the incident that took place at our store in Forrest City, AR this morning. We will continue to work with the Forrest City Police Department to assist in their investigation.”
