Suspect arrested in shooting that claimed life of minor


The Camden Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with a Wednesday afternoon shooting that left one minor dead and another injured.

 Dquaveus Benton, 18, has been charged with 2nd degree murder and is currently housed in the Ouachita County Detention Center.

Camden Police responded to shots fired on Cleveland Avenue and Chestnut Street around 3:12 p.m. on Wednesday.

A press release from the CPD states that upon arrival to the scene, officers found the deceased victim with a gunshot wound in the chest, and the injured victim with a non life-threatening gunshot wound in his foot. An ambulance transported the injured victim to the ER at the Ouachita County Medical Center.

According to the CPD, witnesses said the two victims had just gotten out of school and as they were walking to the intersection, a truck with four males stopped at the intersection, exited the vehicle and they all started fighting. During the fight, several gunshots were heard and the four individuals in the truck fled the scene."

"This is an ongoing investigation and prayers are with the family's involved," the release states.

Camden Fairview Superintendent Johnny Embry also sent out a release stating that the school had been made aware of the shooting and that the two victims were Camden Fairview High School students.

The school is not identifying the students until CPD has notified the family and publicly identified the victims.

The release also indicated that there would be mental health therapists present at CFHS tomorrow and an increased law enforcement presence at the high school and middle school.

In the release, Embry states, "We have already heard from many concerned members of our community. Thank you for reaching out and offering support. To clear up any rumors, no district buses were present when the shooting occurred.. There was no altercation on our school campus and there is no indication that there was an incident or any weapons present at CFHS today."

Embry also called for prayers for the victims and all of Camden Fairview stating, "This is a tragedy that impacts everyone in our community,"


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