Police search for answers in Saturday shooting

A Russellville man who was shot Saturday night during an altercation remains in critical condition and police are still searching for answers.

Officials said Mark Cooley, 51, was shot once in the abdomen on Saturday about 10:50 p.m. at Westside Plaza Apartments on Clay Avenue in Russellville.

Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said paramedics arrived on the scene and Cooley was flown from the upper parking lot of the Russellville High School Stadium to Huntsville Hospital where he remained in the surgical intensive care unit in critical condition as of Monday afternoon.

Hargett said no arrests have been made at this time in connection with the shooting because investigators are still trying to determine what happened inside the apartment to trigger the argument that eventually led to Cooley’s injuries.

“The case is still under investigation,” Hargett said. “We’re still trying to determine what started the fight, what took place and who was involved. We have more witnesses to interview before we can move forward.”

Hargett said there were five different people inside the apartment when the shooting occurred and several more have to be interviewed.

The shotgun that was allegedly used in the shooting was recovered near the scene, officials said.

Sgt. Joe Hargett said investigators would continue to review the evidence with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office to make a determination about any arrests that might stem from this incident.