Police: Burglary suspect fatally shot

Genoa homeowner told investigators he'd been robbed six times in 10 months; county police continue to look into the shooting

Buddy Cates, 81, talks with Miller County investigators after fatally shooting an burglary supect in his home Thursday in Genoa, Ark. According to Cates, this was the sixth time in 10 months he was robbed. Cates said he was tied up and beaten during a previous burglary. Cates said the prior attack prompted him to start carrying a gun at all times. "I will not go to sleep without a gun," he said. The alleged burglar later died at the hospital.
Buddy Cates, 81, talks with Miller County investigators after fatally shooting an burglary supect in his home Thursday in Genoa, Ark. According to Cates, this was the sixth time in 10 months he was robbed. Cates said he was tied up and beaten during a previous burglary. Cates said the prior attack prompted him to start carrying a gun at all times. "I will not go to sleep without a gun," he said. The alleged burglar later died at the hospital.

A burglary suspect was allegedly fatally shot by an 81-year-old homeowner Thursday in Genoa, Ark.

The victim died at a Texarkana, Texas, hospital, said Miller County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Michael McQuerrey. His body will be sent to the medical examiner's office in Little Rock to determine cause of death and for positive identification, McQuerrey said.

The homeowner, who identified himself as Buddy Cates, 81, of Genoa, was not injured.

The shooting happened about 1:30 p.m. at a home at state Highway 196 and County Road 290.

Multiple shots were fired, according to investigators, and Cates was interviewed by Miller County Sheriff's Office. The investigation is ongoing.

Cates said he owns several rental properties and has been robbed at his home six times in the last 10 months.

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Renaldo Bethel, Jeremiah Carey and Samantha Evans

"There is a possibility of several witnesses at the residence at the time of the shooting. The Miller County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking information on who those witnesses are," McQuerrey said.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances around the shooting, and no determination about justification or criminal charges has been made, McQuerrey said. Once the investigation is completed, the file will be sent to the Miller County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Miller County Sheriff's Office at 870-774-3001 or Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers at 903-793-7867.

Crime Stoppers is a community organization that combines local citizens, the media and law enforcement to solve crime. Anyone with information about a crime in the Texarkana area is urged to call Crime Stoppers. If that information results in an arrest and indictment, the caller can receive up to $1,000. Contact is strictly confidential.

 

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