Authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the shooting of Missouri’s star running back, Ahmad Hardy, earlier this week.
According to Sgt. Macon Davis of the Laurel Police Department, Rashodrick Harris, a 20-year-old from Mississippi, was captured Thursday night in Paducah, Kentucky. At the time, he was awaiting extradition. Harris is expected to face charges for two counts of aggravated assault. The investigation remains active, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Three additional individuals initially considered persons of interest were detained but later released without charges.
The investigation by Laurel police was bolstered by security footage, which led to Harris being identified as a suspect. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued following a witness interview.
Hardy, a prominent All-American running back for the Tigers, sustained a gunshot wound to the upper leg on Sunday while at a concert in Laurel. He underwent surgery in Mississippi and returned to Columbia, Missouri, on Wednesday.
“Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family, and fans,” read a statement from the football program. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength, and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time. Mizzou Athletics will provide more information on his status when it becomes available.”
Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz mentioned that Hardy’s participation in the upcoming season remains uncertain. Last season, Hardy led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns over 13 games, contributing to the Tigers’ 8-5 record and their appearance in the Gator Bowl against Virginia.
He was also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, honoring the nation’s top college running back. As an incoming junior, Hardy is already projected by several NFL mock drafts as the top running back for next April.
