Suspect identified after mass shooting in Fordyce leaves 3 dead, 10 others injured

FORDYCE, Ark. – Authorities have confirmed that a mass shooting Friday at a Fordyce grocery store left three people dead and several injured.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, authorities said 11 people were shot, including three killed, in the shooting. They also noted that two police officers were injured during the incident and that the suspect was shot before being taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspect arrested in the shooting as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg. Officials said Posey faces three counts of capital murder and additional charges are pending.

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

“I haven’t seen this since I’ve been in the military,” Clayton said. “People are charging past and shooting innocent people. Do you know what scum is? This is what floats on top of the sewage.

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

“It’s scary to be here in our town in Fordyce and see something like this happen.” Jackson said. “My brother got shot. He'll be fine. He was grazed on the head and his own, but he'll be okay. It's just scary because you don't know what to do anymore.

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

“The good Lord was taking care of us,” Clayton said.

Although police have not given any details about what led to the shooting, Jackson said she hopes nothing like this happens again, noting that other communities should be careful.

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

Authorities said they were in the early stages of the investigation.