Woman kidnapped, pushed into freezing river after shooting

A woman, who was kidnapped and thrown from a bridge into the frigid Arkansas River after she witnessed a fatal shooting, managed to swim to safety. 

Little Rock police found the 42-year-old woman was found suffering from hypothermia on Christmas morning.

Police said they received a 911 call from someone who heard her screaming for help. She is being treated at a hospital, KATV reported.

Richard Gilliam was arrested on Monday. Police said he is one of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder

A woman, who was kidnapped and thrown from a bridge into the frigid Arkansas River after she witnessed the fatal shooting of Arlin Nugent (left), 49, managed to swim to safety on Christmas morning. Police arrested Richard Gilliam (right) in connection with the murder 

A police report says the woman told investigators that she was kidnapped and thrown from the Interstate 430 bridge. The water in the Arkansas River at the time she was thrown was roughly 32 degrees.

She told authorities she was kidnapped after witnessing a shooting during a home invasion in Scott, 15 miles southeast of Little Rock. 

Lonoke County sheriff’s officials said Arlin Nugent, 49, died at the scene after being shot. 

A second person was wounded in the attack and has been taken to a hospital. Authorities did not reveal the condition of the second person.

Little Rock police, Arkansas State Police and Lonoke County deputies arrested Richard Gilliam on Monday at an apartment in Little Rock.

Police said the kidnapping victim told authorities that Gilliam was one of two suspects. Gilliam, 33, is being held at Lonoke County jail on $1 million bond. 

He faces charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary and kidnapping. Gilliam’s next court appearance is scheduled for February. 

Online jail records don’t indicate that he has an attorney who can comment on his behalf. Authorities are still searching for the second suspect.

Gilliam, 33, is being held at Lonoke County jail on $1 million bond. He faces charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary and kidnapping. Pictured is the bridge that the woman was thrown from 

Gilliam, 33, is being held at Lonoke County jail on $1 million bond. He faces charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary and kidnapping. Pictured is the bridge that the woman was thrown from 



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