Suspect in shooting of 3-year-old girl arrested

Keon Robinson in custody following capture in North Mississippi

ralphhardin@gmail.com The third suspect wanted in a West Memphis shooting that left a three-year-old girl injured has been arrested.

Keon Robinson, 25, was arrested last Thursday afternoon and taken into custody by the Southaven Police Department Task Force in Southaven, Mississippi.

The shooting happened August 3 on East Barton Avenue. The girl was shot while sitting in a car.

Pope said they received a Crime Stoppers tip on Robinson’s whereabouts and then contacted the Southaven Police Department whereas they conducted surveillance.

West Memphis Police had been on the hunt for Robinson following the shooting of the girl in the city since Aug. 3. That night, at approximately 8 p.m. that night, officers responded to a shots fired call in the 1800 Block of East Barton. Upon making the scene, officers spoke with the complainant, and they advised that there was a verbal altercation that resulted in shots being fired in the roadway.

Dispatch then received a call that a three-year-old female victim was struck by a bullet and was being transported to LeBonhuer Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Police reported the victim as treated and in stable condition. Detectives with the West Memphis Police Department processed the scene for evidence and interviewed witnesses.

Last week, police arrested two juveniles, ages 15 and 17, in the case and planned to ask for prosecution of the two suspects as adults.

Police identified Keon Robinson as the additional suspect. Robinson is wanted on first degree battery charges, as well as three counts of discharging a firearm from a vehicle over the incident, plus other outstanding felony warrants.

Following the shooting, Police Chief Michael Pope offered condolences for the family of the young victim and lauded investigator’s efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the little girl. The men and women of the West Memphis Police Department will work tirelessly to see that justice is served to all suspects involved” said Pope. “I commend the men and women of the West Memphis Police Department who have worked diligently to apprehend those involved in the case.”

The suspect was eventually captured on a traffic stop by Southaven police where he was hiding in the trunk of a vehicle.

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Pope was pleased to have the dangerous fugitive off the streets and in custody, hinting at a touch of divine providence.

“We got our man, said Pope. “The prayers of the community have been answered.”

Robinson was expected to be extradited back to Crittenden County over the weekend and appear today in District Court.