Shooting after Hot Springs High School graduation ceremony at Convention Center

This is a developing story.

Updated story (May 13, 2:25 p.m.):

The Hot Springs Police Department confirms the shooting after the Hot Springs World Class High School graduation ceremony on Thursday has left one Hot Springs resident dead, and three injured. Suspect Charles Johnson, 25, who fled the scene wounded after the officer involved shooting, was located and arrested at a local hospital while being treated for his wounds.

According to HSPD, the shooting occurred when a large fight broke out in an adjacent parking lot across from Convention Center. During the fight, HSPD officers and Garland County deputies were on scene attempting to defuse the situation when a single gunman began shooting into the crowd.

Officers of the HSPD returned fire on Johnson, wounding him before he fled the scene.

Four other persons were shot during the incident. Michael Jordan, 39, of Hot Springs was transported to a local hospital and died from his wounds. The other three victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

Johnson is being charged with one count for Murder in the First Degree and three counts for Battery in the First Degree.

The Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) is being investigated by the Arkansas State Police.

The officers involved have been placed on Administrative Leave with pay until the conclusion of the OIS investigation. Any questions regarding the OIS, please contact the Arkansas State Police.

According to the Hot Springs World Class High School Facebook Page, District Superintendent Stephanie Nehus said Thursday they can confirm none of the current students or graduates were involved.

In an update from Nehus on Friday, she said, “We are heartbroken that these violent events took place following such a beautiful celebration for our graduates and their families. Our Law Enforcement Officers and staff will continue to do all that we can to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies/officials to complete an investigation. Our School Counselors and staff will be working with students today at school who witnessed events or have concerns/fears. Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with the individuals and families who suffered injuries.”

Updated story (May 13, 7 a.m.):

The Hot Springs Police Department confirms the shooting after the Hot Springs World Class High School graduation ceremony on Thursday occurred when a large fight broke out in an adjacent parking lot across from Convention Center.

Multiple people were injured and transported to local hospitals to be treated.

This incident created a multi-agency response and is an ongoing investigation at this time.

It was reported the suspects fled the scene. It is unknown if they have been detained at this time.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

According to the Hot Springs World Class High School Facebook Page, District Superintendent Stephanie Nehus said Thursday they can confirm none of the current students or graduates were involved.

In an update from Nehus on Friday, she said, “We are heartbroken that these violent events took place following such a beautiful celebration for our graduates and their families. Our Law Enforcement Officers and staff will continue to do all that we can to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies/officials to complete an investigation. Our School Counselors and staff will be working with students today at school who witnessed events or have concerns/fears. Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with the individuals and families who suffered injuries.”

Original story (May 12, 11 p.m.):

At least two people were shot at the Convention Center after the Hot Springs World Class High School graduation ceremony today. Their condition is unknown. The suspects are said to have fled the scene. Officers are on-site.

According to the Hot Springs World Class High School Facebook Page, District Superintendent Stephanie Nehus said they can confirm none of the current students or graduates were involved.

More details to come.