MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — A manhunt continues for a man that was charged Wednesday afternoon with attempted murder.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office says 28-year old Alton Bruce Cooke rammed a vehicle twice shortly after 5 am Wednesday, causing the victim’s vehicle to crash near the Midway Post Office. That’s when authorities say Cooke fired multiple shots into the victim’s vehicle, injuring an unidentified male and female.
The victims were transported to Baxter Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released. Indications are the female victim and the suspect had a prior relationship.
The manhunt initially centered in an area near CR 502 near Promise Land. Authorities say the vehicle reportedly used in the assault was found wrecked in that area, as was a piece of clothing believed to have been worn by the suspect.
Around noon Wednesday the search in the Promise Land area was scaled back. The Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Absconder Team was contacted, and they are now assisting in the search for Cooke.
Cooke was charged Wednesday with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, four counts of aggravated assault, and first-degree battery.
Cooke is described as being 6’3″, 210 lbs, with brown hair and hazel eyes. If you see him contact your local law enforcement agency, call 911, or call the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office at 870-425-7000.
He is considered armed and dangerous.
