JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — A Jacksonville mom wants answers after gunfire broke loose at her local neighborhood park, where she takes her kids often.
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, a shooting injured two people near Galloway Park around 7:24 p.m. on Tuesday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the two victims with gunshot wounds.
Rachel McGee said just roughly ten minutes before the shooting occurred, her children were at the park but luckily came home just in time.
"I believe it was yesterday that we heard shooting from my home," McGee said. "It rang out, and of course, I went outside looking for my children to make sure that they were not in the park because they go to the park all the time to shoot the basketball and just walk the neighborhood with their friends."
McGee said that, unfortunately, these types of incidents are nothing new and have become more frequent over the years.
"There's been constant shootings and fights that have always taken place," McGee said. "It's just sad."
The two gunshot victims were transported to the hospital for treatment. Jacksonville authorities began investigating and obtained a video showing a gold van leaving the area with heavy smoke.
Police said the suspects fired multiple rounds at the victims' vehicles before leaving the area.
Investigators were able to track down the van Thursday and arrest Wayne Lee Jr. on multiple charges, including first-degree battery and unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle. He is being held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility.
Jacksonville authorities also arrested Kenell Scott and Diondre Bradford near the 6000 block of Highway 161 for their involvement in the shooting. Scott was charged with 36 counts of terroristic act, two counts of first-degree battery and aggravated robbery, among others.
Bradford was charged with 36 counts of terroristic act, two counts of first-degree battery, four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of aggravated assault.
McGee said that, as a mother of four with a youngest at age two, she hopes Galloway Park can return to being a place full of joy and not fear.
"There's always kids here, and as a mother [the crime] makes you think a second about letting your kids... come to parks," McGee said. "The first thing you think about is if they're OK and their safety."
Detectives are requesting help with identifying the vehicle and its occupants. Anyone with information should contact the Jacksonville Police Department at (501) 982-3191 or after hours at (501) 985-2802.
