TRUMANN, Ark. — Robert Highfill saved a woman’s life during a dangerous standoff with police in a Walmart parking lot.
Now people in the small town of Trumann, Arkansas are calling him a hometown hero.
Police Chief Chad Henson said 22-year-old Gabe Urrabazo went to the Walmart with a gun late Sunday night and held it to the head of his ex-wife, Faith Morgan.
Highfill stepped in to intervene and was shot as Urrabazo remained locked in a standoff with police.
Friends and family say this act of heroism speaks volumes about Highfill’s character.
“He would do anything for you, anytime and anywhere. He is a hero for what he did last night,” said Brandon McClaughlin.
He grew up with Highfill and says they talked frequently.
When McClaughlin heard about what happned, he drove to the store and couldn’t believe his friend was gone.
Friends will remember Highfill as a family man.
“He would do anything for anybody. That’s just who he was,” his friend Gina Carter said . “He would’ve gladly risked his life to help someone else.”
Highfill was a dad to three children, a husband to his wife, a truck driver, a member of Northeast Arkansas Baptist Church and a man who loved the lord.
Many family members sent us messages describing how great of a person Highfill was.
They say he was fun to be around and was always filled with laughter.
“Robert is an amazing man. I’ve known him since the 6th grade,” Carter said. “He’s a good friend to a lot people in this community.”
Friends tells us Highfill did not know the woman he took the bullet for.
Members of four churches in Trumann took a moment to remember Highfill at Healing Hands Church and pray for his family Monday evening.
Pastor Kenneth Doke tells us despite what happened, now is the time to come together and heal as a community.
“There are many families that are hurting from all sides. We’re not here to point fingers, we’re just here to pray for everyone,” Pastor Doke said.
The organizer said he just wants to bring people together after the tragedy.
Community members say many lives will forever be changed due to this tragedy.
Urrabazo was charged with first-degree murder.