Fayetteville police arrested a 40‑year‑old man on suspicion of attempted capital murder after a delivery driver was shot twice in the hip just before 6 a.m. Friday, an incident that raised concerns for residents and local businesses in the city.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:50 a.m. at 1601 N. Leverett Ave., according to Sgt. Stephen Mauk, the Fayetteville Police public information officer. Callers reported hearing gunfire, and officers arriving on scene learned the victim was preparing to leave for work when he saw a male pacing in the apartment‑complex parking lot. Fearing the individual’s behavior, the victim tried to run to his delivery vehicle but was shot twice as he fled. He was taken to a local hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Detectives identified the suspect as Arlander Gorcel Parker, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, and arrested him near the apartments later that day. Parker was charged with attempted capital murder and felon‑in‑possession of a firearm, according to a police news release cited by Arkansas Online, NWA Online, and 4029TV.
Investigators found a cellphone belonging to Parker at the scene and reviewed a Facebook profile titled “Arlander Loco.” The profile displayed a story posted about 18 hours before the shooting in which Parker claimed he had fought someone and that his “chain” had been taken, and he wrote, “shoot these ******.” The same story noted a bandage over his eye and a laceration on his lip, matching the injuries observed when he was arrested.
Surveillance footage from the apartment complex corroborated the victim’s account and helped pinpoint Parker as the shooter. Apartment management told police Parker had been living with his father at the complex for roughly a week. A search warrant executed at the apartment uncovered three firearms, including one hidden inside a stove that contained ammunition matching the cartridge casings recovered at the shooting scene. Clothing consistent with what was seen in the surveillance video and a discarded necklace with surrounding blood were also found.
Parker requested a lawyer after being transported to the Fayetteville Police Department and was later moved to the Washington County Detention Center for processing. His father confirmed that the firearm found in the stove did not belong to him.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are reviewing additional evidence collected at the apartment. The victim remains hospitalized but is expected to be released soon. No further arrests have been announced, and authorities have not set a court date for Parker’s arraignment.
What’s next: Fayetteville Police will keep the public informed as the investigation proceeds. Residents are urged to report any information related to the incident, and the suspect’s court appearance date will be posted by the Washington County Circuit Court when scheduled.
Sources: arkansasonline.com, nwaonline.com, 4029tv.com, wral.com
