Searcy Police have identified the suspect in the shooting incident from late Wednesday night.

Sergeant Todd Dewitt says police arrested 18-year old Matthew Scott Barber, of Searcy, and he’s been charged with 1st degree battery.

At approximately 11:29pm Wednesday night, Officers responded to Unity Health. When officers arrived at the hospital, they spoke with the victim who advised that he was meeting an individual in the area of West Park Avenue and Sowell Street when an altercation occurred. During the altercation the victim was struck in the head by an unknown object.

It was revealed at the hospital that the victim had been shot.