FORREST CITY, AR — A 22-year-old man was fatally shot during an attempted home invasion early Wednesday morning in Forrest City. Police say the suspect tried to break into a home on Center Street and was later found dead in a nearby field after being shot by the homeowner.

According to Forrest City Police Chief Ronald Broussard, the suspect attempted to enter the home by removing a window screen and pushing through a curtain. The city’s SkyCop surveillance cameras captured the entire incident, providing clear footage of the suspect’s actions, the moment he was shot, and his attempt to flee.

After being shot, the suspect ran a short distance before collapsing near the Day Temple Church, where he was later found dead.

The homeowner reportedly fired a single round, telling authorities it was meant only to scare the intruder away. Chief Broussard said the homeowner did not intend to use deadly force and has expressed deep remorse, stating he has been unable to sleep since the incident.

Chief Broussard shared that the suspect was known to law enforcement and had struggled with drug addiction. He urged the community to use this tragic event as a call to action in addressing substance abuse and crime in the area.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

Even when a shooting is legally justified, the emotional toll of taking a life can be significant. In this case, the homeowner reportedly expressed deep remorse and difficulty sleeping after the incident, which is an understandable response to a traumatic event. Responsible gun owners should be prepared not only for the encounter itself but also for what comes afterward. Many concealed carry insurance providers offer post-incident support, including counseling and legal assistance, which can be valuable resources during recovery.

One option to consider is Attorneys On Retainer, which is backed by Attorneys For Freedom, an independent AZ law firm exclusively representing clients in self-defense cases, offering representation in all 50 states and DC in collaboration with local co-counsel. I am a member and affiliate of AOR and receive compensation when someone joins AOR using my promo code (USACARRY).

It is also important to be cautious about what is said to law enforcement and the media following a defensive shooting. Statements like “I didn’t intend to kill him” or “I just fired to scare him off” may feel emotionally honest but can complicate the legal narrative. Legally, a firearm may only be used when there is a clear, imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm, not to scare someone away. While this case appears to be a justified use of force, how you explain your actions matters and can affect both legal outcomes and public perception. It is always best to seek legal counsel before making detailed statements.