HELENA- WEST HELENA, Ark. — Police in Helena-West Helena have made an arrest in a recent house fire and shooting in the 300 block of North Second Street.
According to the Chief of Police, Virgil Green, Travis Belk was arrested on Sunday.
Police told WREG Belk and another man, Demario Davis, were seen outside the home by the victims in a back bedroom.
WREG reported the family was inside asleep when the two men threw Molotov Cocktails, setting it on fire.
As the twelve members of the family were trying to escape, Belk and Davis allegedly opened fire on them, forcing them back inside.
Officers on the scene, as well as some other neighbors, saw the two dart down the street away from the home.
The officer was unable to catch them during the pursuit.
However, surveillance video on a nearby A-Z Food Mart caught the pair running down the street with what appeared to be a handgun.
Belk was seen dropping the weapon as they fled.
That gun was later recovered by police and entered in as evidence.
At this time, police said they do not have a motive for the attempted murders, but they did confirm that Belk was dating one of the girls inside the home.
Belk was charged with 12 counts of attempted murder in the first degree, arson, and a felon being in possession of a firearm.
Police are still searching for Davis.
