Woman survives after being tosed into freezing river

An Arkansas woman, who was kidnapped and tossed from a bridge into an almost frozen river after witnessing a fatal shooting, somehow was able to swim to safety.

According to KATV, Little Rock Police said they found the woman, 42, after receiving a 911 call from someone who heard her screaming for help near the banks of the Arkansas River. The unnamed victimtold police she had been thrown off the I-430 bridge into the frigid waters, but was able to will herself to land.


The victim told authorities she was kidnapped after witnessing a shooting where two people were gunned down. One of the victims, Arlin Nugent, 49, died at the scene. The other was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

One man in connection with the crimes is already in custody and Arkansas authorities are currently searching for a second suspect.

Richard Gilliam, 33, of Little Rock was being held without bond at the Lonoke County jail on charges that include capital murder.

Lonoke County sheriff’s officials say Gilliam was one of two men who entered a home in Scott, just southeast of Little Rock, and began firing at people inside.

Killed in the shooting was 49-year-old Arlin Nugent. Authorities did not reveal the condition of the second person who was shot.