Police: Suspect Detained en Route to Execute Mall Shooting in Fort Smith
On April 26, police detained a guy before he attempted to carry out a plan to kill two people at Fort Smith’s Central Mall, according to authorities.
According to court filings, a 911 caller stated that Rodney Sheffield was on his way to Central Mall “with the intent to kill people.”
Sheffield was nabbed during a traffic stop after police said he was driving erratically on Rogers Avenue. During the stop, the officer noticed a weapon on the floor of the passenger side of Sheffield’s vehicle and, during a pat down, discovered rifle magazines in Sheffield’s pockets. Sheffield was detained for reckless driving and making terroristic threats.
- Auto Insurance Shopping Rises in Response to Soaring Insurance Rates: Report
- Avoid These 7 Missteps When Refinancing to a Lower Mortgage Rate
- Rising Home Prices Amid Slight Mortgage Rate Dip: Analysis
- Fresno County’s Groundbreaking Initiative: $500 Monthly Payments in New Guaranteed Income Program, Here is Who is Eligible
- Unlocking Financial Freedom: 5 Reasons to Opt for Personal Loans in Credit Card Debt Repayment
During the inquiry, the 911 caller was identified as Sheffield’s friend, who stated that he received a text from Sheffield saying “Here we go” and a picture of Sheffield holding a weapon across his body outside the mall, prompting him to contact 911, according to court records.
Aric Mitchell of the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) emphasized the importance of the tip that led to Sheffield’s arrest. “It’s just a reminder to speak out if you notice something. Don’t think it’s an inconvenience for your law enforcement agency to disclose this information because it could potentially save lives.”
- Will Everyone Get a $12,000 Stimulus Check in 2024? Find Out Eligibility
- $6400 Stimulus Checks in 2024: What You Need to Know About Eligibility and Payment Dates
- IRS 4th Stimulus Check 2024: Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility and Payment Dates
- 3 Smart Moves to Make Once Your Savings Reach $50,000, Here Are Crucial Actions to Take
- 3 Effective Ways to Pay Off Student Loans on a $50K Salary or Less, Know Here!
According to authorities, Sheffield was unhappy because his Social Security disability claim had been denied, and he intended to shoot and murder an employee at his lawyer’s company, which was located in the mall near the Social Security disability office. Sheffield allegedly expressed a desire to shoot the judge involved in the allegation, according to investigators.
While carrying out a search warrant on Sheffield’s phone, officers discovered evidence of child sex abuse, including four films and 127 photographs of young children being sexually molested. Charges based on such findings were added.
Sheffield’s lawyer, Adam Rose, acknowledged to 5NEWS that he has pled not guilty, and the inquiry is still underway. Rose claims to have “no doubt justice will prevail after this matter.”