Crime
Searcy Teen Likely Paralyzed After Being Shot by Deported Felon Using Stolen Identity
SEARCY, Ark. — A 16-year-old boy, Isaiah Toledo, is likely to be paralyzed for life after being shot in the neck while driving home from a graduation party, according to his father, Antonio Toledo.
The teen was critically injured in a random shooting on May 10, 2025, which led to the arrest of Candelario Gameros-Ante, a 45-year-old man who was previously deported and re-entered the U.S. under a stolen identity.
The Searcy Police Department initially responded to what was reported as a single-vehicle accident around 11:30 p.m. on the 1000 block of West Academy.
However, the emergency caller informed dispatchers that the driver had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the teenage victim had been shot and immediately coordinated emergency medical transport.
Isaiah was first taken to Unity Health – White County Medical Center and later transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he remains in stable but life-altering condition.
While canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses, officers recovered multiple shell casings in a nearby yard.
This led them to a residence where Gameros-Ante—originally booked under the name Edgar Gameros, 44, of Batesville—was taken into custody.
The Searcy Police Special Response Team cleared the residence, and two additional individuals were arrested on unrelated charges. Both are currently being held under detainers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On May 12, fingerprint analysis confirmed that the suspect was not Edgar Gameros, but in fact Candelario Gameros-Ante, who had used a stolen Social Security card to fraudulently obtain an Arkansas driver’s license.
Authorities say Gameros-Ante was deported in 2017 and returned to the U.S. under false pretenses to conceal his immigration status.
During an interview with Searcy Police, Chief Steve Hernandez reported that Gameros-Ante told officers he believed members of a cartel were pursuing him.
Mistaking the teen’s slow-moving vehicle for a threat, he allegedly opened fire on Isaiah as the teen drove past his home.
Investigators have not found any evidence supporting Gameros-Ante’s paranoia or any cartel involvement.
The incident is being treated as a random act of violence.
Gameros-Ante has been charged with Terroristic Act, a Class B felony, and remains in custody at the White County Detention Center. Additional charges are possible as the investigation progresses.
Isaiah’s father, Antonio Toledo, a local business owner and contractor, says the family is preparing for the long-term impacts of the injury, including the high cost of wheelchair accessibility modifications.
He expressed gratitude for the support the family has already received and is open to accepting further assistance from the community.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Searcy Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.