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.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.