Shooting at Arkansas shop leaves husband dead, wife injured

A volunteer fire captain in Cleburne County has died after a shooting Thursday that also injured his wife at a business, according to authorities.

Charles Johnson, 65, was killed in the shooting inside The Print Shop in Heber Springs and Candace Johnson, 62, was hospitalized, according to a news release Friday from Arkansas State Police.

David Hammonds, 58, of Cleburne County, was arrested Thursday night in connection with the slaying, police said. He faces charges of capital murder, first-degree battery and burglary. The release said he is being held at Cleburne County jail.

Authorities responded shortly after noon to the shooting at the business along Arkansas 25. Officers found the Johnsons, who had both sustained gunshot wounds, police said.

After the shooting, police identified Hammonds as a suspect. At 9:30 p.m., a Swifton police officer reported a sighting of a vehicle believed to be Hammonds’, according to the release.

Jackson County sheriff’s deputies, local authorities and Arkansas State Police pursued the Dodge truck to U.S. 67 in White County. Police said the chase ended when Hammonds crashed the vehicle a mile north of Bald Knob. He was then arrested.

Charles Johnson was a captain at the Tumbling Shoals/Ida Fire Department. The department released a statement on its Facebook page that announced his death and asked for thoughts and prayers for the Johnson family.

“Captain Johnson was (an) integral part of this department,” said Assistant Chief Jason Michael in the statement. “His calm demeanor, knowledge and love for life and country will carry on within our department and our community through his teachings and his guidance.”

Candace Johnson remains hospitalized. Her condition was not disclosed.

The release said the homicide is being investigated by the Heber Springs Police Department. No information on the motive has been released.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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