A shooting outside a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Friday around 11:30 a.m. left three people dead and 10 others injured, Arkansas State Police said.
Two law enforcement officers were among those injured, but their injuries are not life-threatening, Arkansas State Police Director and Secretary of Public Safety Mike Hagar said at a news conference Friday afternoon.
The alleged shooter is in custody after exchanging gunfire with state police. The suspect was later identified as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg, Arkansas.
Posey will be charged with three counts of capital murder, state police said in a statement Saturday night. Additional charges are pending.
SHOOTING AT OAKLAND JUNE 16 CELEBRATION LEAVES MULTIPLE INJURED, POLICE SAY
Law enforcement officers work the scene of a shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Friday.
Hager said the victims' injuries range from non-life-threatening to critical.
“It's tragic, our hearts are broken,” Hager said. “Our prayers, along with those of Governor Sanders and the entire state of Arkansas, will be with this community and the affected victims.”
A witness, who works at Holt Builder's Supply, across from the Mad Butcher grocery store shooting, told Fox News Digital he heard “several gunshots” and saw victims being evacuated from the scene.
Three people were killed in a shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas. (KTHV/NNS)
The employee said, “several agencies were here trying to figure out what was going on. We saw police running by the pharmacy, which is right next to Mad Butcher.”
He added: “It was pretty hectic around here between 11.30am and midday” and he saw a medevac land on the local hospital helipad.
Three people were killed and several injured in a shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas. (KTHV/NNS)
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said on social media that she had been “informed about the tragic shooting in Fordyce, and I am in constant contact with state police on the scene. I thank authorities and first responders for their quick answer”. and heroic action to save lives. “My prayers are with the victims and everyone affected by this horrible incident.”
A witness named Odis Allen told FOX 16 that he has lived in Fordyce for 60 years and was completely “shocked” by the shooting.
“I've never seen anything like this happen in Fordyce, Arkansas,” he told the station, adding that he feared for his children and grandchildren.
Another witness told FOX 16 that the shooter had “destroyed a community today.”
“I wish people would spread more love instead of hate,” he added.
Damage can be seen on a front window. Law enforcement officers work at the scene of the shooting. (Colin Murphey/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP)
David Rodriguez, who was pumping gas nearby, told the Associated Press that at first he thought he heard fireworks.
Rodriguez said he then saw people running from the Mad Butcher grocery store toward the parking lot, and one person lying on the ground.
PROMISING BOXER, 27, VICTIM OF TARGET SHOOTING ON THE OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE
Law enforcement officers work the scene of a shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Friday.
Roderick Rogers, a local pastor, told FOX 16 that he received a call from some of his members who were near the shooting and contacted the mayor and police to respond.
He said he has lived in Fordyce his entire life and “never in a million years” did he think something like this would happen in the small town.
“Let's continue to pray for everyone involved. We can get through this,” he added.
The White House later said: “The president has been briefed on the deadly shooting in Fordyce, Arkansas. His team will continue to keep him informed.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fordyce has a population of about 3,200 and is about 65 miles south of Little Rock.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
