Man held on 12 counts of attempted murder in Helena-West Helena fire

A Helena-West Helena man has been arrested in connection with a house fire last month that police said involved shots fired at 12 people in the residence as they attempted to flee.

Travis Belk, 31, is being held on 12 counts of attempted first-degree murder, as well as charges of arson and illegal possession of a firearm, after occupants at 324 N. Second St. in Helena-West Helena reported Sept. 23 that the back of the house had been set on fire.

The occupants attempted to exit the front door as two men dressed in dark clothing shot at them, forcing them back into the burning house, police said.

When police approached the scene, authorities said they heard gunshots and witnessed two men, Belk and Demario Davis, running from the scene, later losing sight of them.

Authorities said the men ran a few blocks away toward A-Z Food Mart at 118 Sebastian St.

Surveillance footage from the convenience store showed Belk with a handgun and Davis. According to authorities, the handgun was left at the A-Z Food Mart.

Investigators said they found bottles from Molotov cocktails outside the home.

Belk was jailed Sunday on $1 million bond, according to authorities. Davis was still sought by police as of Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Helena-West Helena Police Department at (870) 572-3441.

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Travis Belk, 31

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