Wynne shooting leaves one dead, nine with injuries

ASP identifies ‘persons of interest,’ seeks information from community

One person was killed and many others injured in Wynne Saturday night when gunfire broke out during a block party.

The incident occurred about 10 p.m., near the intersection of Williams Avenue and Martin Luther King Street in Wynne, according to a press release from Arkansas State Police.

At least two of the victims were run over by vehicles at the scene, police reported.

Varian Campbell, 27, of Wynne, was pronounced dead at an area hospital. State Police reported victims were male and female and ranged in ages from 24 to 49.

Victims were transported to St. Bernards CrossRidge Community Hospital in Wynne, Forrest City Medical Center and hospitals in Memphis and Jonesboro. One victim was transported by helicopter to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis.

According to the press release, authorities believe additional injured individuals may have been transported to hospitals in private vehicles.

Campbell’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab where the manner and cause of death will be determined, State Police said.

Officials with FCMC said the hospital enacted its emergency response plan in a joint effort to help the community of Wynne.

Michael Tate, EMS director was present at CrossRidge Community Hospital and acted as incident commander, according to officials with FCMC. FCMC's EMSA ambulance service sent two of its units to respond as well.

“The emergency room staff at FCMC was ready and able to assist as well, treating three of the patients from the events that occurred,” said hospital officials in a press release issued Monday.

After reviewing the incident during a debriefing at FCMC on Monday morning, interim CEO Bob Moore said, "All protocols were followed and executed properly, and FCMC is proud to be such an integral part of the surrounding communities in times of need. Our staff serves with the heart and mindset of every patient, every time." The investigation is ongoing. According to the ASP press release, investigators have identified “multiple people of interest” and encourage anyone with information about the incident to call Troop D, headquartered in Forrest City, at 870-970-6082.

Brodie Johnson • Times-Herald The ribbon was officially cut Friday morning on the new handicap-accessible playground equipment at the Palestine-Wheatley Elementary School. Throughout the day, students in kindergarten through sixth grade enjoyed playing on the new equipment. Palestine-Wheatley School District Superintendent Ryan Halbert said he was excited to finally be able to open the equipment for students to use.