A 26-year-old man accused of firing at a vehicle near Sulphur Springs Road and Camden Cutoff Road was captured hiding in nearby woods shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Monday, and authorities soon arrested a second man in connection with the case: an off-duty Pine Bluff police officer accused of helping him evade arrest.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responding to reports of a shooting found that Tarqi Jefferson had allegedly shot at a vehicle in the area before 8 p.m. Monday. Investigators believed Jefferson fled the scene on foot, and deputies ultimately located him hiding in woods just off Sulphur Springs Road, where he was taken into custody. No one was injured in the shooting, Deltaplex News reported, citing investigators.
Charges Stack Up Against the Suspect
Jefferson was booked on charges that go well beyond the shooting itself. As reported by KATV, he faces aggravated assault, a terroristic act, possession of a firearm by certain persons, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. The Jefferson County Sheriff's current inmate roster lists Jefferson under the charge of possession of a firearm by certain persons, with booking number 131199, per the sheriff's office.
Off-Duty Officer Accused of Helping Suspect
The case took an unusual turn with the arrest of Franklin Jiles, an off-duty Pine Bluff police officer. KATV's report notes Jiles was arrested on charges of hindering apprehension or prosecution and furnishing a weapon to a felon — charges that tie him directly to the alleged shooter's attempt to escape.
Jiles was off duty and outside Pine Bluff Police Department jurisdiction when the shooting occurred, according to Deltaplex News, which first detailed the connection between the two arrests. The outlet's account indicates Jiles has been placed on administrative leave with pay while the Pine Bluff Police Department conducts an internal review, the results of which have not been made public.
Investigation Remains Open
Jefferson County deputies responded to the shooting incident within the sheriff's department's jurisdiction, and the sheriff's office has said questions about the case can be directed to its office. Court outcomes for either man, along with further details about the vehicle involved or any additional evidence gathered at the scene, have not been disclosed.
