On June 22, 2019, at approximately 3:01 a.m., a fatal shooting occurred in the parking lot of a McDonald's located at 1260 E. Robinson Avenue in Springdale, Arkansas. Officers responded to a report of gunshots and discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds. One victim, identified as 18-year-old Carlos Alexander Ascencio, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 20-year-old Juan Carlos Bahena-Garcia, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Witnesses reported that the suspect or suspects fled the scene in a white passenger car occupied by several individuals. Through witness statements, Springdale police identified 21-year-old Franklin Soto-Ramos of Lowell, Arkansas, as a suspect in the shooting. An arrest warrant was issued for capital murder and attempted capital murder. Authorities learned that Soto-Ramos was heading toward Indianapolis, Indiana. With assistance from the Illinois State Police, Indiana State Police, Terre Haute Police, and the Indianapolis Police, Soto-Ramos was apprehended on June 22, 2019, at approximately 2:15 p.m. just outside of Indianapolis. He was found alone, driving a 2007 black Chevrolet Impala. Soto-Ramos was booked into the Washington County jail on July 12, 2019, and held without bond. He was scheduled to appear in court on August 19, 2019.
The investigation into the shooting was ongoing, and authorities indicated that additional arrests could be made. Anyone with information related to the case was encouraged to contact the Springdale Police Department at 751-4542 or the anonymous tip line at 750-4484.
