Suspect arrested in Arkansas grocery store shooting, identified as Travis Posey, a 44-year-old trucker

A tragic shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas on Friday has left three people dead and at least eleven others, including two police officers, injured. The suspect was identified as Travis Posey, a 44-year-old truck driver.  

According to Mike Hagara, the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety along with the Director of the Arkansas State Police, eleven civilians were shot, some critically, and three of those injuries were fatal. The incident occurred at the Mad Butcher grocery store. The two injured police officers are expected to survive.  

“I am thankful to law enforcement and first responders for their quick and heroic action to save lives. My prayers are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific incident,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in response to the shooting.  

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Travis Posey by the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office, is now in custody. He was shot by law enforcement, but his injuries are not life-threatening.  

Posey is a truck driver from New Edinburg, Arkansas and his motive for the shooting remains unclear. In 2011, Posey was arrested for possessing a handgun at the entrance of a New York military base that is about 30 miles from the Canadian border, according to the New York Post. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon but pleaded down to disorderly conduct. His gun was confiscated by law enforcement at the time, and he was fined $200.  

Arkansas police have charged Posey with three counts of capital murder, with additional charges pending.