UPDATE
Monday’s shooting in the 600 block of Laser Street is being investigated as a homicide, Hot Springs police said Wednesday after making two news releases about the shooting and then asking the media to disregard both.
The victim, who was identified by name in both releases, was declared deceased by the Garland County coroner on Tuesday, according to the second release.
“Out of respect for the victim’s family, we are holding the release until further notice,” Hot Springs police Officer 1st Class Omar Cervantes said in an email to the media at 6:58 p.m., after an “amended press release” was sent out five hours after the initial release.
Cervantes had confirmed to The Sentinel-Record on Monday that one person was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.
An HSPD patrol unit and officers were seen outside a residence in the 600 block of Laser that was cordoned off by police line tape on Monday.
At around 3:18 p.m. Monday, police responded to the area of 600 Laser Street in reference to numerous 911 calls about shots fired. Witnesses said that multiple persons fled the scene immediately after a shooting occurred, some on foot and others in vehicles, police said in both the “amended” release and one issued hours earlier Wednesday morning.
“Shortly afterward, a 2016 black Dodge Charger arrived at National Park Medical Center with an individual who had been shot during the incident,” the releases said.
Detectives secured a search warrant for the property at 600 Laser St., where firearms were located and collected.
The original news release also included information about police being dispatched to the hospital to “keep the peace” because a large crowd had gathered, but the amended version issued nearly five hours later excised that information.
“Detectives are continuing to follow leads and interviewing witnesses and anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division of the Hot Springs Police Department at 501-321-6717,” police said.
ORIGINAL POST
Hot Springs police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Monday afternoon in the area of Laser and Trivista Right.
Hot Springs police Officer 1st Class Omar Cervantes confirmed that one person was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.
An HSPD patrol unit and officers were seen outside a residence in the 600 block of Laser that was cordoned off by police line tape.