Police identify suspect in West Memphis Walmart shooting

WEST MEMPHIS, AR (WMC) - No arrests have been made after one person was shot inside Walmart in West Memphis early Thursday morning.

Thursday afternoon, West Memphis Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Jimmy Franklin Do.

They issued warrants for his arrest, charging him with first-degree battery and aggravated assault.

Officials believe he is from Lake Cormorant, Mississippi and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Police said they arrived at the store at about 5:39 a.m.

The male victim was shot in the leg, and officials said his injury is non-life-threatening.

According to the victim, he and the suspect encountered each other in the electronic section of the store.

Do removed a handgun from his waistband, officials said, and fired at least two rounds at the victim.

He then ran out into the parking lot and left in a dark colored vehicle.

The victim was hospitalized at Regional One, where he was treated and released.

Police said the shooting was not a random act of violence, and it appears Do and the victim knew each other and may have had a prior conflict.

Officials said neither of them worked or had any affiliation with Walmart, and they have no reason to believe that customers are in any further danger related to the shooting.

For customers stopping by Walmart, the police vehicles in the parking lot let them know something was up.

“I asked what’s going on. they said it was a shooting that took place in here,” said one customer. “I’m thinking in the store or outside and they were like in the store.”

“I was wondering why the police were out here, and the news people were here,” added customer Leanne Calloway. “I wasn't sure until I walked into the store and someone said there was a shooting inside the store.”

Immediately after the shooting a suspect was not found. While police were still on the scene, customers were allowed to go in and out of the store like normal.

“I was just on guard watching my surroundings and everything,” one customer said.

“It’s quiet in there,” Calloway said. “It’s quiet. Got what I needed and came on out.”

Customers often shop at this Walmart since it’s the only one in West Memphis. They hope this doesn’t become the norm.

“West Memphis I think, I work here, and I feel like it's a good place,” said one customer. “I do feel like crime is picking up everywhere.”

In the state of Arkansas, you do not have to have a permit to carry a gun openly or concealed.

We reached out to Walmart to find out their gun policy, and the company said they have no comment on the investigation.

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