PINE BLUFF, AR — A late-night encounter on December 7 led to a suspected thief being shot after he allegedly stole a firearm from a parked vehicle in the 2000 block of West 24th Avenue.
At approximately 11 p.m., Pine Bluff police responded to a report of a male who had been shot. A resident told officers she observed an unknown male inside her vehicle through her home security system. When she went outside to confront him, she discovered that her .380 caliber pistol, which had been stored in the driver’s side door, was missing.
The woman stated she confronted the individual and demanded the return of her firearm. During the ensuing argument, two shots were fired, striking the male suspect in the left side of his neck and shoulder. The man fell into a nearby ditch and reportedly admitted to breaking into the vehicle and stealing the firearm before fleeing the scene on foot.
The stolen firearm was not recovered at the scene.
Shortly afterward, officers were called to the 1600 block of West 23rd Avenue for a report of a male who had been shot. There, they located 23-year-old Dekoda Hill, who matched the earlier suspect description. Hill was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for treatment and was unable to give a statement due to ongoing medical care.
Police later confirmed Hill had an active felony warrant for theft. The case remains under active investigation, and the Pine Bluff Police Department is seeking further information from the public.
While no arrests have been announced, the incident will likely be reviewed by prosecutors to determine whether the shooting falls under lawful self-defense.
This incident highlights two key safety considerations in home defense: securing firearms and avoiding unnecessary confrontations. Leaving a firearm in a vehicle, particularly one parked outside, carries inherent risks. If stolen, that gun is now in the hands of someone who may pose a threat—not only to you, but to others in the community.
Choosing to leave the safety of your home to confront someone you now know is potentially armed greatly increases the danger of the situation. While the outcome fortunately did not result in harm to the resident, it easily could have. The better course of action would have been to remain inside, call 911, and let law enforcement handle the situation. Deadly force is only justifiable when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury—not simply to recover stolen property. This incident serves as a reminder that good intentions can quickly lead to dangerous consequences when emotions override tactics and safety.
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