Ark. Officer Shot; Shooter Turns Himself In

FORT SMITH, Ark. --

Fort Smith Police Cpl. Barney Parsons was shot and injured while conducting a traffic stop early Sunday, the police department said.

Parsons was in the 2900 block of Cliff Drive at about 1:18 a.m. when a driver got out of a vehicle and started shooting, police said. Parsons was hit in the chest, leg and foot.

"Fortunately, officer Parsons was wearing his bullet-resistant vest," said Fort Smith police Sgt. Levi Risley. "That probably saved his life."

While Parsons was listed in stable condition at Sparks Hospital on Sunday Fort Smith police officers searched local neighborhoods.

Police caught a break just after 6 p.m. when they said New Mexico authorities had a suspect who told police he "shot a police officer" in Fort Smith.

Officials said Fort Smith resident Tristan Honey entered the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Port of Entry at San Jon, New Mexico and made a statement that his truck was broke down on Interstate 40.

New Mexico police are investigating Honey's white vehicle for evidence of the shooting.

Police said the Sebastian County prosecutor is preparing an affidavit for a warrant charging Honey with Attempted Capital Murder for the shooting of Parsons.

Fort Smith police said when Parson was shot they have reason to believe there were several other people inside Honey's vehicle, however those people did not turn themselves in.

Fort Smith police said once those people are found they could face conspiracy charges.

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