LITTLE ROCK — An attempted bank robbery in west Little Rock left one person shot and at least one suspect at-large Monday afternoon.
Little Rock Police Department spokesman Sgt. Cassandra Davis said it happened about 1:35 p.m. at the Arvest branch located at 16501 Chenal Parkway.
Davis said the would-be robber shot the victim in the leg as he fled from the bank. It is not clear if he actually got in the bank or escaped with any money.
The victim, whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital. Davis had no information on his condition, but a witness at the scene said he didn't believe the man's injuries were life-threatening.
The shooter then fled to a nearby gas station, where a bystander opened fire on the man with his own weapon, Davis said. Authorities do not believe the man was hit.
After being shot at, the would-be robber then fled in a white vehicle. Davis said it was recovered a short time later by police at an apartment complex in the 15000 block of Chenal, but no suspects have been arrested.
Stephen Bailey said he was filling up at the gas station when he heard a loud boom from one of the shots and then saw the suspect vehicle driving off in a hurry.
"At that point then we heard people screaming and a guy laying on the ground at the Arvest bank had gotten shot in the leg," Bailey said. "... It was crazy. Midday like this, you would never expect to see a robbery and the banks aren't even supposed to be open today. It was a scary thing."
Witnesses provided conflicting information about the suspect's description and the number of suspects, Davis said, noting it's possible there were two men involved in the attempted robbery.
Davis said the armed bystander was being interviewed by police. She said contacting police and being a "good witness" is a better option for bystanders as opposed to "engaging in the violence themselves."
"It could have been more severe than what it is," Davis said. "I believe the bystander did strike another vehicle. But the potential for someone else getting injured is there."