Arlington police say Pvt. Ricci Bradden arrived at the Walgreens in Arlington on Monday morning and allegedly shot his wife, who works at the drugstore, during an argument in the lot. After their confrontation, Bradden attempted to drive away but was confronted by Anthony "T.J." Antell, who had witnessed the altercation and was attempting to make a citizen's arrest after returning to his car to get his own gun.

Bradden got out of his truck, slapped away Antell's gun and shot him in the head, according to police and local media reports. Antell was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Bradden's wife was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

"What was really traumatic, the Good Samaritan's spouse was here and witnessed this," Arlington Police Lt. Chris Cook told WFAA-TV. "I can't imagine going through that."

Bradden, a petroleum supply specialist with 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade out of Fort Hood, entered service in July 2015, installation officials said. He joined his current unit in January.

After the alleged incident, Bradden reportedly spoke with his unit's executive officer and other Army supervisors while driving his pickup, according to multiple local reports. He reportedly told his leadership about his actions and was instructed to turn himself in to local authorities.

A Fort Hood spokesman would not confirm the discussions and directed all questions to the Arlington police.

Detectives secured an arrest warrant for murder, and Bradden's being held on $500,000 initial bond, according to the police news release.

Antell, 35, had three children and owned a CrossFit gym in the area, a local pastor, Marc Lowrance, told WFAA.

"He went into a protective mode," Lowrance said of the former Marine. "He's a father, protective by nature, and he thought he could help."

Share:
In Other News
No more stories