Early morning shooting in Pine Bluff sends man to hospital

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Officials with the Pine Bluff Police Department said a man suffered a shrapnel injury after bullets struck his vehicle in a Pine Bluff shooting.

According to a spokesperson, officers responded at approximately 3:35 a.m. on Aug. 19 to Sunset Village, 2611 W. 34th, in reference to a possible shooting.

Officers found 53-year-old man with a cheek injury initially thought to be a gunshot wound to the jaw, but hospital staff later determined glass had penetrated his face after a bullet traveled through his windshield, officials said.

The victim was treated and released, while his car was found at the dead end of Grarich Cove, with a bullet hole in the driver’s side headlight, the driver’s door open and the engine running, officials said.

The victim told police the incident occurred after buying cigars at Spokes and Munchies, 2810 West 28th Ave., then traveling through several streets to West 36th Avenue, where he heard multiple gunshots and believed bullets struck his vehicle, officials said.

The victim ran to Sunset Village for help and told officers that he did not see anyone shooting and did not know anyone who would target him, a spokesperson said.

Officials have not released any suspect information at this time.