Search continues for suspect wanted in UCA campus shooting
HAZEN, Ark. – A search is underway across central Arkansas this Memorial Day weekend as authorities continue looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting on the University of Central Arkansas campus.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Zion Jackson, has eluded Hazen police twice and is now facing a growing list of charges, says the police chief.
Conway police detail arrests, warrants in recent shootings
According to Hazen police, what began as a routine traffic stop on May 10 quickly escalated into a dangerous pursuit that spanned the city and has kept law enforcement on high alert.
The incident started around 8:45 p.m. when an officer pulled over a vehicle in the Family Dollar and Dollar Tree parking lot on Highway 63.
Body camera footage shows the interaction beginning calmly before Jackson became visibly nervous. When questioned, Jackson expressed fear, referencing his race.
'You're just starting to get real nervous over your ID,' the officer is heard saying.
'Yeah man, I'm Black and I don't… you know what I'm saying?' Jackson replied.
'What does that have to do with anything?' the officer asked.
'I'm scared, bro,' Jackson responded.
Police say the officer smelled marijuana and began identifying passengers in the vehicle.
Hazen Police Chief Bradley Taylor said Jackson initially gave a false name. When officers discovered a gun in the car, Jackson fled on foot.
Students at UCA and people in Conway react to the news of college campus shooting
Authorities later confirmed his identity and discovered he was wanted in connection to an April 19 shooting on the UCA campus in Conway. Jackson was already facing charges of felony first-degree battery and felony terroristic act.
But the chase didn't end there.
Later that night, authorities said Jackson was spotted again, this time behind the wheel of a stolen City of Hazen truck equipped with a mosquito sprayer.
'You could see the mosquito sprayer in the back of the truck,' Taylor said. 'The city is the only one that has those.'
Officers attempted a tactical vehicle intervention after pursuing and reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour through residential streets.
Once again, Jackson fled on foot and escaped the perimeter police set up.
Authorities believe Jackson then stole a second vehicle, described as an older model black Chevrolet truck. That vehicle was last seen in Searcy on May 18.
Both the truck and Jackson remain missing.
Taylor said Jackson is considered armed and dangerous.
'We are working with the U.S. Marshals and the Conway Police Department, trying to track Mr. Jackson down,' he said.
Conway police investigating Saturday morning shooting that injured 1 student
Anyone with information on Jackson's whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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