Arrest made in fatal shooting of off-duty Arkansas officer; second suspect still at large

Demarcus Darnell Parker
Demarcus Darnell Parker

Authorities say they have made one arrest in the April killing of an off-duty Arkansas police officer while another suspect remains at large.

West Memphis Police Department Capt. Joe Baker said Demarcus Darnell Parker, 25, was taken into custody Wednesday at his Marion home for his involvement in the death of Oliver Johnson Jr.

Johnson, an officer with the Forrest City Police Department., was at his home at the Meadows Apartment complex, 1101 S. Avalon St. in West Memphis, around 4 p.m. April 28 when people were firing shots outside. Multiple rounds struck the building's facade, and one bullet hit Johnson in the upper torso, Baker previously said.

The bullet was likely not intended for him, according to authorities.

Parker was booked into the Crittenden County jail shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday. He is charged with capital murder, criminal attempt to commit capital murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle and forgery.

His bail has not yet been set, and he is scheduled to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. Friday, jail officials said.

Baker said police are still seeking George Henderson, 22, who was named as a suspect in Johnson's death Wednesday.

Authorities arrested a 19-year-old with reported gang ties in Johnson's death May 1, then dropped the charges hours later.

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