Hmmm. I expect more to come on this report from Garland County sheriff’s office:
At approximately 3:10 a.m. this morning the Garland County Sheriff’s Department received a call from Robert Ryan Sipe (right photo), 35 years of age, saying that he was awoken by the sound of his 4-wheeler starting up outside his residence at 198 Sipe Lane in Pearcy, AR. Mr. Sipe retrieved a handgun and went outside, where he observed a person attempting to ride off on his 4-wheeler. Mr. Sipe shot at and hit the suspect, identified as 34 year old Brian Luman (left photo), who died at the scene.
Past records show that the deceased, Brian Luman, has been charged with; Residential Burglary, Theft By Receiving over $2500, Forgery, Battery, Terroristic Threatening and numerous misdemeanor and traffic charges in the past.
At this point no charges have been filed, pending further investigation and determination from the prosecutor.
Right now we have no other information to release, but will update you all as more is obtained.
— Lt. James “Corky” Martin
UPDATE: Still no answers to questions on where men were when shot(s) were fired, placement of wound(s), etc. Lt. Martin said he could only add that he’d been told the men were childhood best friends.
ALSO: Here’s a copy of the incident report. It says that two shots were fired as Luman “attempted to ride off.”
SATURDAY UPDATE: Morning paper quotes local prosecutor as indicating he expects to file charge in the case. “You can only use deadly physical force when you reasonably believe another is about to use deadly force,” Prosecutor Steve Oliver told the D-G.
COMMENT: I’m a little surprised — here and in response to item on our Facebook page — at how many people think you can and should shoot people stealing property even when they pose no personal threat.