Domestic dispute leads to shooting

A Hot Springs man was in stable condition at a local hospital Saturday after being shot multiple times during an apparent argument Friday night, Hot Springs police said.

The suspect in the shooting, Thomas Clarence Foster, 55, who lists a Terry Street address, was taken into custody shortly after officers responded to the scene at 502 Stover St. and charged with first-degree battery, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, third-degree domestic battery, and first-degree criminal mischief.

He remained in custody at the Garland County Detention Center Saturday on a $20,000 bond, and is set to appear in Garland County District Court in Aug. 22.

The victim, James Puckett, 47, was found lying on the front porch of the Stover Street residence with multiple gunshot wounds when police arrived at around 11:30 p.m. Friday in reference to a shooting, police said in a news release.

An investigation of the incident indicates that the shooting occurred during an argument between the two men, according to the release.

"Last night's shooting appears to be domestic disturbance that obviously escalated into the victim being shot," Police Chief Jason Stachey told The Sentinel Record on Saturday.

"From my understanding, (the victim) is still in the hospital being treated. The injuries, at least at this point, don't seem to be life threatening," he said.

Stachey stressed that there are resources available throughout the community for people who find themselves involved in any type of domestic violence situation.

Local on 08/13/2017

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