SHERWOOD, Ark. — Authorities have detained three men in connection with the alleged kidnapping of an 18-year-old, who was reportedly threatened with death during a harrowing ordeal that involved being forced to play Russian roulette.
The suspects—54-year-old Robert Ellerd and brothers Jackson and Charles Homan, aged 23 and 20, respectively—face several serious charges, including aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and first-degree terroristic threatening. The incident, which occurred on September 22, has shocked local residents and raised concerns about safety in the area.
According to a report from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was unexpectedly accosted while visiting his girlfriend’s home in Sherwood, located about ten miles from Little Rock. After parking his vehicle, he was allegedly confronted by Jackson Homan, who forcibly pulled him from his car and brandished a firearm at his back.
Once inside a white Jeep, the victim claimed he encountered Ellerd, who was allegedly armed and seated in the car, while Charles Homan kept a gun trained on him from the front seat. The suspects then drove the victim to a secondary location in the Lakewood neighborhood, where his ordeal escalated.
Upon arrival, the suspects reportedly commanded the teenager to remove his shoes and socks before binding him to a chair with an extension cord. During this time, one of the assailants introduced a shotgun into the situation, further amplifying the terror. The group allegedly forced the victim to participate in Russian roulette, using the twisted game as a tool for intimidation.
Investigators noted that the victim received explicit threats, being coerced to sever ties with his girlfriend under the dire warning that failure to comply could lead to violent repercussions against him and his family. After enduring this traumatic experience, the victim was ultimately left outside a nearby high school.
Law enforcement was quickly alerted once the young man was able to reach out for help, prompting a swift investigation that resulted in the arrests of the three men. Ellerd, who formerly held a position as director of financial aid at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, lost his job following these allegations. The Homan brothers have also been cited as significant players in this unsettling case.
Each suspect is currently being held at the Pulaski County Jail with a bond set at $500,000. As of now, there has been no comment from their legal representatives, and court hearings have yet to be arranged.
The escalation of this incident has sparked concerns among community members about safety, particularly in relation to domestic violence and personal security. Local authorities continue to investigate the case and have yet to disclose further details regarding potential motives or any additional charges that may arise.