Suspect identified after mass shooting in Fordyce that left three people dead and ten others injured

FORDYCE, Arkansas – Authorities confirmed that three people were killed and several injured in a mass shooting at a Fordyce grocery store Friday.

During a press conference Friday afternoon, authorities said 11 people were shot and three of them killed in the shooting. They also noted that two officers were injured in the incident and the suspect was shot before being taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspect arrested in the shooting as 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey of New Edinburg. Officials said Posey is charged with three counts of felony murder, with additional charges pending.

Ronald Clayton said he and his wife were in their car in the store’s parking lot at the time of the shooting. He added that their car was hit by about 20 bullets, but they were not injured.

“I haven’t seen anything like this since I was in the military,” Clayton said. “People pick up, drive by and shoot innocent people. You know what scum is? That’s what floats on top of the sewage.”

Tina Jackson said her brother was one of the victims shot and she couldn’t believe it happened.

“It’s scary to be here in our town in Fordyce and experience something like this,” Jackson said. “My brother was shot. He’s going to be OK. He’s got a graze on his head and legs, but he’s going to be OK. It’s just scary because you don’t know what to do anymore.”

As police searched the area, some people were seen hugging each other and others, like Clayton, said he and his wife were grateful they survived the shooting.

“The good Lord was watching over us,” Clayton said.

Although police did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, Jackson expressed hope that something like this will never happen again and pointed out that other communities should also be cautious.

“This should be an eye-opener for everyone,” Jackson said.

Authorities said the investigation was still in its early stages.