November 4, 2007
North Little Rock, AR An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
wildlife officer was injured yesterday during a shootout with a man
suspected of illegal hunting. Wildlife officer Matt Flowers, 29, of
Maumelle was shot once in the chest during an altercation with a man
Flowers suspected of illegally hunting in North Little Rocks Burns
Park.
The shooting took place at about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Flowers was
on a routine patrol along Young Road in North Little Rock when he
saw Kelly dressed in camouflage clothing. Flowers was
checking Phillip Kelly, 36, of North Little Rock, to see if he had
been hunting in the area illegally when a struggle broke out and
Kelly shot officer Flowers once in the chest.
Flowers was able to
return fire and hit Kelly with several shots, at least once in the
neck. Flowers was taken to
an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released.
He was wearing body armor which prevented any serious injuries.
Flowers is a five year veteran of the Arkansas Game and Fish
Commission (AGFC).
The North Little Rock Police Department is investigating the
shooting. According to NLR police officials, Kelly has been charged
with attempted capital murder in the shooting. He is presently in a
Little Rock hospital where he is under guard and recovering from his
injuries.
Shortly after
the shooting, Kelly was able to get away from Flowers and flee from
the scene to a nearby house.
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