FORT SMITH, Ark. — Saturday (May 8) at 4:00 p.m., Fort Smith officers responded to a home on North 33rd Street regarding a shooting.
Police say once they arrived, they found a female screaming saying her husband had been shot and was still inside with the suspect.
Once inside the home, police found two people with gunshot wounds. The suspect was identified as Juan Araujo and the victim was identified as Danny Wolaridge, the homeowner.
Both subjects were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
According to Aric Mitchell with the Fort Smith Police Department, this was a burglary where the homeowner shot the suspect and the suspect returned fire.
“It’s an incredibly unfortunate scenario for all individuals all around although, the outcome could have been much worse, Aric Mitchell, Fort Smith Police Department PIO said. "The outcome was still very serious, very touch-and-go, so there is going to be some healing that they need to do both physically and emotionally. Our hearts and our prayers are with them as they do that.”
Araujo was booked into jail Monday (May 10) morning at 10:11 a.m. He is being charged with Residential Burglary and First Degree Domestic Battery by means of a firearm.
