Jimmie Epperson Identified as Victim in Fatal Pine Bluff Shooting; Thomaz Johnson Named as Suspect, Authorities Seek Public Help in Locating Him

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Pine Bluff, Arkansas — The Pine Bluff Police Department has officially identified Jimmie Epperson, 29, as the victim in a tragic fatal shooting that occurred on the evening of September 23, 2025, on South Missouri Street in Pine Bluff. The police department has named Thomaz Johnson, 25, as the suspect in this horrific crime, and authorities are now calling on the public for help in locating him.

The Incident: A Deadly Altercation on Missouri Street

At around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, officers were dispatched to the scene of a shooting at 615 South Missouri Street. When law enforcement arrived, they found Jimmie Epperson, a 29-year-old man, lying unresponsive on the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders from the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Epperson was pronounced dead at the scene by Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Teddy Spivey.

At first, there were limited details regarding the shooting, but authorities soon realized the gravity of the situation. The Pine Bluff Police Department quickly cordoned off the area to prevent any contamination of evidence and began working with forensic experts to gather crucial information. Detectives also began searching for witnesses, reviewing any potential surveillance footage, and canvassing the surrounding area for any leads.

The Victim: Jimmie Epperson

Jimmie Epperson, a 29-year-old male, was well-known in his community. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that his death would leave a deep void for his family, friends, and the people who knew him. Details of his personal life are still emerging, but what is clear is that he was an individual with a lot of life ahead of him.

Epperson’s family expressed profound grief over the incident. “He was always there for us. He had a big heart, always helping people in need,” said a family member in an emotional interview. “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this.”

Neighbors also shared positive memories of Epperson, noting his friendly demeanor and helpful nature. “He was a quiet guy, but you could always count on him if you needed something. This is such a shock,” said one of his longtime neighbors.

As the investigation into Epperson’s tragic death continues, his family and community are left to mourn his untimely passing. Their support for the investigation and their desire for justice in this case are clear, as they continue to hope that authorities will soon bring the responsible party to justice.

The Suspect: Thomaz Johnson

In the hours following Jimmie Epperson’s death, investigators quickly identified Thomaz Johnson, a 25-year-old man from Pine Bluff, as the primary suspect in the shooting. Johnson is described by police as a Black male, standing 5’10” and weighing approximately 160 pounds. His last known address was 2317 Belair Drive, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

According to police sources, Johnson and Epperson were known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship is still under investigation. Detectives have indicated that the two men may have had a prior altercation or disagreement that escalated to violence on the night of September 23. While no official motive has been confirmed, authorities believe there may have been a personal conflict that led to the deadly shooting.

Authorities have not disclosed whether Johnson was involved in any prior criminal activity or had a history of violence. However, detectives are examining his background and any potential connections to the local criminal network or other individuals who may have had a stake in the incident.

The Hunt for Thomaz Johnson: Where Is He?

Since the tragic shooting, Thomaz Johnson has become the primary focus of the investigation. Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing leads in an effort to locate Johnson, but so far, he remains at large. Investigators have not disclosed whether they believe he is still in Pine Bluff or has fled the area, but authorities are working with local, state, and federal agencies to track him down.

A nationwide manhunt has been initiated, with Pine Bluff Police collaborating with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies. As the search intensifies, authorities are hopeful that Johnson will be located soon and brought into custody to face charges in connection with Epperson’s murder.

Public Assistance Sought: How You Can Help

Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Thomaz Johnson. The department has released a description of the suspect and is actively seeking witnesses or surveillance footage that could aid in solving the case.

Police are asking for any assistance in tracking down Johnson and bringing him to justice for the murder of Jimmie Epperson. If you have any information or have seen Johnson recently, please contact the Pine Bluff Police Department immediately.

Here’s how you can help:

Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division: 870-730-2090
Crime Tip Line: 870-730-2106
Dispatch Center: 870-541-5300

Police stress that all tips will be kept confidential. The department is also asking that people remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that might be connected to the case. Even the smallest detail could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation.

Investigation Ongoing: What We Can Expect

The investigation into Jimmie Epperson’s death continues to evolve as detectives work around the clock to gather more information. The Pine Bluff Police Department has not released additional details about the nature of the dispute between Epperson and Johnson, but they have indicated that this is likely to be a key part of the investigation. Authorities are also continuing to collect evidence from the scene of the crime, including potential ballistics evidence, fingerprints, and other forensic clues that may help piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

Law enforcement officials are hopeful that the public will assist in locating Johnson, as his capture will be critical to uncovering the full details of this tragic incident. As the investigation progresses, more information will likely be shared with the public, particularly when authorities make any significant arrests or find leads regarding Johnson’s whereabouts.

Final Thoughts: Justice for Jimmie Epperson

The tragic loss of Jimmie Epperson has left his family, friends, and the Pine Bluff community deeply shaken. As the investigation into his murder continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served. The Pine Bluff Police Department is committed to finding Thomaz Johnson and ensuring that he faces the consequences of his alleged actions.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. The Pine Bluff community has already rallied behind the Epperson family, and as the investigation moves forward, they continue to stand together, hoping that the suspect will be brought to justice soon.