Arrest Made in Shooting of Missouri Running Back Ahmad Hardy

Why it matters locally: The suspect, Rashodrick Harris, is a resident of Wayne County, Mississippi, and was arrested in Kentucky following an incident that occurred in Laurel, Mississippi.

Rashodrick Harris, 20, of Wayne County, Mississippi, was arrested Thursday night in Paducah, Kentucky, regarding the shooting of Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy. Laurel Police Department Sgt. Macon Davis confirmed Harris's custody and impending extradition. Davis stated Harris will face two counts of aggravated assault. Hardy, an All-America running back and Doak Walker Award finalist, sustained a gunshot wound to his upper leg Sunday at an outdoor concert in Laurel, Mississippi. He underwent surgery and returned to Columbia, Missouri, on Wednesday. Police identified Harris as a suspect through security video and issued an arrest warrant following a witness interview. The investigation remains active, and additional arrests could occur. Three other individuals previously taken into custody were released without charges. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz indicated uncertainty regarding Hardy's availability for the upcoming season. Hardy recorded 1,649 rushing yards, ranking second in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and scored 16 touchdowns during the Tigers' 8-5 season, which concluded with a Gator Bowl loss to Virginia. Analysts have projected the 5-foot-10, 205-pound Hardy as a top running back prospect for the next NFL draft.