Suspect who posted Facebook video Sunday prior to weapons assault arrested in Midwest City

The victim in Sunday’s (Feb. 9) shooting in Fort Smith has been identified as 36-year-old Cecil Gardner, Jr. of Fort Smith.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Prior to receiving medical treatment, Mr. Gardner alleged that Julius Jefferies, also of Fort Smith was his attacker.

Jefferies was picked up in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on Sunday night. He is awaiting extradition.

Julius Jefferies

Jeffries posted a Facebook Live video on Sunday shortly before the shooting stating that he was "driving around the north side" looking for Gardner.

CAUTION: The video contain graphic language and may not be suitable for all readers. Age restrictions have been applied to the video.

You can view the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPLgYuRtrZU

Gardner was also the victim in a shooting that occurred November 17, 2017 on the city's north side on Wirsing Avenue. Jeffries makes reference to that shooting in the video.

Tadareo Thomas was sentenced to 300 months in prison in that shooting incident and is currently incarcerated in Hempstead County with a parole eligible date of April 4, 2024.