A first degree murder warrant has been issued for a homicide suspect in Fort Smith.
Ibn Kamal Islam, 33, is wanted in connection with the death of 35-year-old Chad Whitfield. Police were called to residence in the 2100 block of N. 57th Lane just after midnight Wednesday in reference to a shooting.
Officers found Whitfield lying on the kitchen floor with multiple gunshot wounds, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers also found several 9mm shell casings next to the man’s body, according to Sgt. Daniel Grubbs.
"Evidence points right now to a lone gunman. It doesn't give the appearance that there was an exchange of gunfire. It gives the appearance that the deceased was definitely an intended target," said Grubbs.
The suspected gunman, Islam, is wanted on charges of first degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm. The warrant carries a $500,000 bond.
He is described as a black man, 5’8”, and 175lbs. Police say Islam should be considered armed and dangerous.
Witnesses at the home told police Islam left the residence in a maroon GMC Yukon Denali with Arkansas license plate 901-OHG. Police say he allegedly has access to a black Chevrolet Impala with black aftermarket rims and an orange Dodge Charger with black racing strips.
Islam has ties to the Fort Smith and Roland, Okla., areas, Sgt. Grubbs said.
Police anyone who comes in contact with Islam or sees him is encouraged to notify authorities immediately by dialing 911.
After the shooting, officers cleared the residence and found two women and three children hiding in the house during the shooting. Witnesses told police Islam called and told Whitfield he was coming to the residence. When Islam arrived, Whitfield told them to hide in the back bedrooms, police say.
Police aren't sure how long Islam was inside the home before shots were fired. After hearing the gun go off, the women grabbed the children and hid in the closet until police arrived on scene.
Neighbors of Whitfield said they were surprised something like this happened on their quiet street.
"Very shocked. Very shocked. It's a very quiet neighborhood. Never had a problem in this neighborhood," said Rickey Jones, who lives up the road from Whitfield.
Neighbors were also very concerned about Whitfield's two children. He had both a teenager and a 5-year-old son.
"It just makes me worried about, you know - where he's gonna be. You know, his dad being taken from him...it's just horrible," said Aliscia Klein, another of Whitfield's neighbors.
"I see his sons out there playing all the time. So may Jesus be with him today, and with his family," said Jones.
If you have any additional information in this case you are asked to call the Fort Smith Police Department at (479) 709-5100 or the River Valley Crimestoppers at (479) 78-CRIME.