Corning, Arkansas – Authorities in Arkansas have released new details and formally identified the suspect in connection with a shooting incident that took place at a sawmill in Corning, a case that left two people injured and triggered a rapid law enforcement response across Clay County.
The Arkansas State Police confirmed that 52-year-old William K. Donald of Corning is facing two felony counts of first-degree battery following the shooting at the Baker Sawmill Company. Officials say the charges stem from an incident that unfolded in the late afternoon and quickly escalated into a multi-agency response.
According to investigators, deputies from Clay County and officers from the Corning Police Department were dispatched to the Baker Sawmill Company at approximately 4 p.m. on May 16 after reports came in of a shooting on the property. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
The situation, however, did not end there. Officials said Donald had already fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. During his escape, authorities later confirmed that he himself had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite the injury, he managed to leave the immediate area before being tracked down.
A short time later, the search came to an end. Law enforcement officials reported that Donald was taken into custody by approximately 4:30 p.m., roughly half an hour after the initial emergency call. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries before being medically cleared and later booked into jail, according to Arkansas State Police officials.
The two victims in the shooting were also rushed from the sawmill and taken to local hospitals for emergency care. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, both individuals were later transferred to specialized medical facilities in Little Rock and Memphis for further treatment. Authorities have not released their names, and no additional details about their current conditions have been made public.
Arkansas State Police identifies suspect arrested in Corning sawmill shooting as investigation into workplace violence continues in Clay County
As investigators continue to piece together what led to the violent confrontation, officials have not yet provided a clear motive for the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident inside the sawmill remain under active review, with law enforcement working to determine the sequence of events that led to multiple people being wounded.
The case is being handled as an ongoing investigation, and officials have indicated that more information may be released as it becomes available. At this stage, authorities are focusing on evidence collection, witness statements, and reconstructing the timeline of events that unfolded inside the industrial site.
While the community of Corning processes the shock of the incident, law enforcement agencies continue to coordinate across jurisdictions to ensure a full and thorough investigation. The Arkansas State Police emphasized that the case remains open and active, with additional updates expected as investigators move forward.
For now, William K. Donald remains in custody facing two serious felony charges, while the two injured victims continue receiving medical treatment.
