The Texarkana Police Department has announced the acquisition of additional felony arrest warrants in connection with last week's shooting incident in the 300 block of Waterman Street. Detective Cliff Harris is leading the ongoing investigation, and authorities are actively seeking two suspects: 28-year-old Verlon Owens, Jr. of Texarkana, Arkansas, and 20-year-old Asontea Collins of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Additionally, there is an outstanding warrant for 20-year-old Lakentae Ford, also from Pine Bluff. Ford is currently undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained during the shooting and is expected to be taken into custody upon his release.
The warrants issued for all three individuals are for the charge of "Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity - Aggravated Assault."
The incident in question occurred on August 29th when officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Waterman Street residence. Upon arrival, authorities discovered three gunshot victims inside the house, two of whom were in critical condition. Initial findings suggest that a group of armed individuals forcibly entered the residence and immediately opened fire on the occupants. Investigators believe this was a targeted attack, with the suspects specifically aiming at the victims or the residence itself.
Shortly after the shooting, Lakentae Ford was brought to the Texarkana Emergency Center by a fourth individual identified as Tristen McAllister, hailing from Pine Bluff. Due to the severity of his injuries, Ford was transferred to the hospital for treatment. Tristen McAllister was subsequently held for questioning and arrested later that night on the same charges as those now facing Owens and Collins. He remains in custody at the Bi-State Jail, with a bond set at $500,000.
While the authorities are aware of Lakentae Ford's whereabouts due to his ongoing hospitalization, efforts are underway to locate Verlon Owens and Asontea Collins to bring them into custody.
Based solely upon the seriousness and savagery of this crime, police officials consider them both to be very dangerous. If you know where they are, please call 903-798-3116 or Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers at 903-793-STOP. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to their arrest.
