A shocking series of events has led to an arrest in Arkansas. It reportedly involved gunshots near a Sonic, a reported drug deal gone wrong, and a secret informant.
Joseph Ray Horn was arrested on January 23, 2025, and booked into custody following an alleged shooting incident near Sonic in Melbourne last July. The Izard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest related to charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault.
The informant whose secret recordings led to the arrest was reportedly investigating the suspect in a drug-related investigation.
Arrest Made After Shots Fired Near Sonic In Reported Drug Deal Gone Wrong
According to case files, on July 23, 2024, Horn allegedly fired shots from a vehicle at two victims walking near Sonic on Main Street. Witnesses reported hearing slurs yelled from the vehicle before the sound of gunfire.
Victim 1 and Victim 2 were interviewed by Izard County investigators on July 24, 2024. Both interviews were audio recorded, providing detailed accounts of the event.
The victims described the vehicle as a white truck with a trash bag covering the back window, matching a vehicle later observed by deputies. They identified Horn as the shooter, with Stormy Lankford as the passenger.
Horn reportedly admitted to the shooting to a confidential informant, a conversation which was both audio and video recorded. In the recording, Horn boasted about the incident, further reportedly implicating himself.
The affidavit for probable cause was sworn on January 23, 2025, leading to Horn’s arrest and charges being filed. He is now awaiting trial for multiple felony counts stemming from the incident.
Please note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
