On March 5, 2014, the life of 52-year-old Robert J. Storay, a Black/African American male, came to a tragic end in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The events leading to his death began with a 911 call reporting a disturbance on a Central Arkansas Transit bus near 4th and Maple streets. A North Little Rock police officer was dispatched to the scene.
Upon the officer's arrival, a confrontation occurred between the officer and Storay.
During the encounter, it was alleged that Storay attacked the officer with a cane. In response to the alleged attack, the officer discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Storay. This was not the first time a cane had been involved in an incident with Storay. In a prior event, he had reportedly threatened officers with a black walking cane, which resulted in a lawsuit filed against the City of Little Rock. The court had ultimately ruled in favor of the city in that case.
Those who knew Robert Storay were shocked by the violent circumstances of his death. A former classmate, Reverend Benny Johnson, remembered him as a jovial person who enjoyed joking around. The incident that led to his death stands in stark contrast to the memories of those who knew him. Robert J. Storay was born on December 17, 1961, and was laid to rest in North Little Rock. No arrests of any suspects were made in connection with his death, as it was determined to be the result of an officer-involved shooting.
