KEITH HEARNSBERGER

Little Rock police have arrested a suspect in the hit-and-run Saturday that seriously injured police Lt. Johnny Gilbert and a man he was arresting.

A police release said Keith Hearnsberger, 35, of Little Rock surrendered through an arrangement with his attorney and was charged with two counts of battery, two counts of reckless driving and hit and run with injury, a felony.

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A vehicle believed used in the accident was taken by police for evidence processing.

Gilbert, a 33-year police veteran, remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition, the release said. Daryl Johnson was hospitalized in stable condition. Gilbert had been trying to arrest Johnson for disorderly conduct at the scene of an event where Gilbert was working off-duty as private security when a vehicle struck them at Daisy Bates and Ringo as Gilbert was walking across Bates about 12:40 a.m. The vehicle continued driving.

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Hearnsberger is assistant principal at Little Rock McClellan High. He has been placed on leave. His lawyer issued a statement to KARK saying it was a “tragic accident” and that their “hearts and prayers”  went out to both victims.

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