Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a February shooting that left one man dead and two others injured, according to the Pine Bluff Police Department.
Officers responded just after 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 to 2215 S. Blake St., the location of Two Brothers One Stop, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, police found 21-year-old Markeise Gipson unresponsive in the parking lot with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional male victims were also struck by gunfire and transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Authorities said both victims were later listed in stable condition with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Detective Jason Boykin was assigned as the lead investigator and, through the course of the investigation, identified 19-year-old Cylon Bead and 19-year-old Kristopher Walters as suspects.
On March 31, officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Walters was believed to be staying. Police said Walters initially refused commands to exit, prompting officers to deploy chemical agents. He later exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.
During the operation, investigators received information that Bead was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, and Bead fled on foot after exiting the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit, during which he jumped a fence, Bead was apprehended and taken into custody.
Authorities said both suspects have been charged with capital murder, two counts of first-degree battery, engaging in criminal group activity and engaging in a criminal gang, organization or enterprise. Investigators identified both individuals as members of the HOG, or Hop Out Gang.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized their continued efforts to address violent crime and gang activity within the community.
