Courtesy Fox 4 News

FORNEY, Texas — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in a Forney neighborhood, which they believe may have been the result of a drug deal that turned into a robbery.

The incident occurred Friday afternoon just blocks from Brown Middle School, where gunfire was exchanged between two parties, resulting in one death.

According to investigators, the individual who first drew a weapon was the one who ultimately lost their life in the exchange.

What We Know:

A recently obtained arrest warrant reveals that the shooting was sparked by a robbery during a suspected drug transaction in the Forney neighborhood. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office initially reported that two people were in custody and that two individuals had been shot, one fatally. However, the department has not provided any additional updates on the case since the initial reports.

Through arrest records, FOX 4 has learned that one of the individuals in custody is 19-year-old Artinamas Dequann Searcy, who has been charged with capital murder. The warrant indicates that Searcy, along with Caden Rider, attempted to rob two men in a Chrysler 300. Rider, who was shot and killed, allegedly initiated the robbery during a potential marijuana transaction by pointing a gun at the driver and firing into the car, striking the passenger in the face.

In response, the driver of the Chrysler returned fire, hitting Rider in the back. The vehicle sped off, eventually stopping a few blocks away in the parking lot of Brown Middle School. The passenger, who had been shot in the face, was airlifted by Care Flight to a hospital in critical condition.

Investigators report that Searcy fled the scene but was later apprehended while walking near the school. Although it appears that Searcy did not fire a weapon during the shootout or possess a firearm at the time, authorities believe he played a role in the incident.

Eyewitness Account:

Rick Collins, a homeowner in the area, described how Rider, the deceased victim, collapsed near his property. Collins recalled hearing gunshots and initially thinking they had come from his door. “I went back inside because he saw my face, and I saw his face,” he said.

An off-duty police officer who lives in the neighborhood quickly rushed to assist, administering CPR until paramedics arrived. “He was saying, ‘Stay with me! Stay with me!’” Collins recalled. “I knew something was wrong.”

Collins expressed relief that no bystanders were injured by stray bullets, though he acknowledged that crime is not uncommon in the area. Nevertheless, he remains confident in the safety of his neighborhood. “Absolutely. You know why? I pray every morning that God protects our house, puts his holy angels around it.”

What We Don’t Know:

The sheriff’s office has not yet provided an update on the condition of the shooting victim or whether any charges will be filed in relation to the incident. It also remains unclear if the driver of the Chrysler, who returned fire during the altercation, will face any charges.

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