Fayetteville police responded at about 1:41 a.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire on West Avenue near Watson Street, a block north of the city’s bustling Dickson Street entertainment district. According to a police news release cited by Arkansas Online, officers found multiple individuals with gunshot wounds and provided immediate medical assistance.
The six victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries that officials believe are non‑life‑threatening. No arrests have been made, and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that a physical altercation on West Avenue preceded the gunfire. BNONews reported that witness video captured a fight involving several people, followed by multiple shots as bystanders ran or took cover. Police have not released the identities of the victims or any details about a suspect.
Mayor Molly Rawn issued a statement late Sunday calling the event “a senseless act of violence.” She noted that seven individuals were injured, six of whom were taken to the hospital, and highlighted that between 25,000 and 30,000 people were present in the Dickson Street area Saturday night for Halloween and homecoming celebrations. Rawn praised the police response, saying 40 officers were on site and acted “almost instantly,” which she said likely prevented a worse outcome.
The shooting occurred less than four hours after the University of Arkansas Razorbacks lost to the University of Missouri 34‑10 in the homecoming game at Razorback Stadium. KY3 described Dickson Street as the city’s “renowned strip of bars, music venues, and restaurants,” noting that the area was filled with weekend revelers and Halloween partygoers when the gunfire erupted.
Fayetteville police are asking anyone who witnessed the altercation or who has smartphone video of the incident to contact the department’s criminal investigations division at 479‑583‑6440, as reported by KY3. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to identify those responsible.
What’s next: The investigation remains active with no arrests announced. Police have urged the public to submit any information or video they may have, and the department will provide updates as leads develop.
Sources: arkansasonline.com, bnonews.com, ky3.com, kait8.com
