Families were shopping at a local grocery store in a small Arkansas town on Friday when the sound of gunfire reverberated through the store, sending them running for cover or huddling in a freezer.
Katrina Doherty, who had been shopping for dinner with her 18-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, described the harrowing experience of realizing shots were being fired after hearing glass shatter and seeing someone drop to the ground.
David Rodriguez, who was at a gas station nearby, initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks until he saw the grocery store's front windows shattered by bullets, prompting panicked shoppers to flee as gunshots rang out.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Mad Butcher in Fordyce, where a lone suspect opened fire, resulting in three fatalities and 10 injuries. Law enforcement engaged in a gun battle with the assailant, as captured in cellphone footage showing the suspect firing a long gun in multiple directions.
Inside the store, Doherty and others sought refuge in a freezer, enduring the terrifying sound of gunshots while praying and comforting her children. The group remained in the freezer for about 15 minutes, with Doherty recalling the fear and uncertainty they faced.
After the ordeal, Doherty reunited with her other children who had been waiting in the car during the shooting, highlighting the traumatic impact on families caught in the violence.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey, was apprehended and is expected to face multiple charges, including three counts of capital murder. While two police officers and Posey sustained injuries, they are reported to be non-life-threatening.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed condolences for the tragic event and assured that the situation is under control, with no ongoing threats to the community.
The Fordyce City Council Member, Roderick Rogers, described the incident as 'bad' and noted the profound trauma experienced by survivors of the shooting.
This heartbreaking event adds to the alarming trend of mass shootings in the United States, with communities grappling with the devastating impact of gun violence.
