Dickie Johnson charged with murder in Saline County shooting death

Dickie Johnson faces multiple charges in Saline County after deputies arrested him in a fatal Friday shooting. The incident left a father dead near an intersection while he waited for his children to arrive.

Authorities have not released information about a motive. They have not stated whether Johnson and Troy Hendrix knew each other.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Friday, October 9. They found Hendrix dead in the yard of a home at 728 Martin Road.

Investigators say Hendrix was parked near the intersection of West Lawson Road and Martin Road. He was waiting for the school bus to drop off his children.

Johnson allegedly pulled up alongside the vehicle, according to court documents. Johnson opened his vehicle door and pointed a shotgun at Hendrix.

Hendrix attempted to back away. Investigators say Johnson followed his movements with the weapon. He fired a single shot.

Authorities say two witnesses saw the gunfire. A dash camera belonging to one witness recorded the event.

Both witnesses identified Johnson as the shooter. Investigators say Johnson fled the area on West Lawson Road.

His 15-year-old grandson was inside his truck. One witness followed the vehicle until Johnson stopped at the Avilla Grocery store.

Deputies confronted Johnson at the store. Court documents state deputies noticed several signs of intoxication.

He had slurred speech. Deputies smelled a strong odor of alcohol. He had difficulty making coherent statements.

Johnson was transported to the Saline County Detention Center. Authorities administered a breathalyzer test there.

Investigators say the test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.24. That figure is three times Arkansas’ legal driving limit of 0.08.

Johnson remains held at the Saline County Detention Center. He is charged with capital murder and committing a terroristic act. He also faces charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and driving while intoxicated.

A capital murder charge involves the intentional taking of a life under specific statutory circumstances. In Arkansas, detention centers hold individuals booked on felony charges until initial court appearances take place.

The Saline County investigation remains ongoing.