AR Man Can Stand Trial for Shooting Firefighter

Nov. 16, 2016
Exam shows a high level of cocaine was in the system of the man who shot East Pulaski fire Lt. Jason Adams.

Adams was shot by homeowner Mark Pruitt, 48, on Jan. 22 when Adams responded to a medical call. Pruitt thought Adams was an intruder.

A toxicology report obtained by KATV showed that there was a high level of cocaine was in Pruitt's system.

"It should be noted that cocaine cannot be detected, in the blood, more than six hours after usage," an examiner wrote in the report.

Pruitt told the investigator that he used cocaine several times a week before the shooting.

The trial for the Pruitt's manslaughter charge was postponed when the judge ordered a mental evaluation for Pruitt and the report said he's able to stand trial.

"We're very excited that he is able to stand trial for Jason's murder," said Phylis Stroud, the mother of Lt. Adams "We're very excited the judge ordered him to remain in jail until the next hearing - December the 1st - so the family can enjoy our holidays and not have to worry about seeing him out."

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