Fatal shooting at North Little Rock skate park investigated

Police investigate a fatal shooting at a skate park in North Little Rock on Monday.
Police investigate a fatal shooting at a skate park in North Little Rock on Monday.

A 22-year-old man was fatally shot, and a second person was injured at a skate park along the Arkansas River in North Little Rock early Monday, authorities said.

The North Little Rock Police Department said in a statement that officers were called about 3:45 a.m. to the skate park at 2800 River Road, where they found "two male subjects" suffering from gunshot wounds.

The deceased was identified as Armand Van Tonder, and the other victim was identified as 18-year-old Jacob Bynum, police said.

Bynum’s injuries were treated at a local hospital, where he was in stable condition as of Monday afternoon, according to a statement. Doctors told officers he is expected to survive.

Police believe the two victims were shot during a robbery. No arrest has been made and no suspect information has been released.

Authorities said a $10,000 reward was being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction.

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Photos by Jeff Mitchell

The killing comes just days after a robbery was reported at the same skate park. In that case, three 21-year-olds were robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday afternoon by two people who first asked for "cigarettes, weed and a lighter."

It wasn't immediately clear if investigators believe the cases are related.

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