A man suspected of breaking into vehicles in Little Rock early Thursday died after being shot during a gunfire exchange with authorities, police said.
Kenzell Hobbs, 18, was taken to UAMS Medical Center after being shot at least once in the upper torso early Thursday north of University Avenue and H Street.
Hobbs was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after 9 a.m., according to the Pulaski County coroner's office. He had been transported there in critical condition.
Little Rock Police Department Sgt. Cassandra Davis said the incident started before 5:45 a.m., when police were called to the 400 block of North Pierce Street in reference to vehicle break-ins.
A second suspect, Roy Boles, 18, was arrested in that area. Hobbs fled and nearly two hours later became involved in a struggle with police at University and H. Hobbs fired at officers — but didn't hit any of them — in a parking lot about a block north of the intersection, according to Davis.
It was there shortly after 7:30 a.m. that police returned fire, hitting Hobbs, Davis said. The officer involved in the shooting, Stephen Gorbet, was not injured in the incident. Another officer who had earlier struggled with Hobbs was treated for minor injuries and released.
Davis said it's possible a third suspect was also involved. In an e-mailed statement issued Thursday afternoon, Davis said a third person of interest was in custody, but she did not immediately confirm whether he is a suspect.
A large crime scene was taped off on University Avenue north of H Street and in the surrounding parking lots. Northbound traffic was being diverted from the area for several hours.
See tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more information.
