Arkansas Dad Allegedly Killed Man Found in Truck with Teen Daughter. Now He's Running for Sheriff By Christine Pelisek

An Arkansas father who allegedly killed a man he found in a truck with his teenage daughter is now running for sheriff.

Aaron Spencer, 37, announced his plan to run for Lonoke County Sheriff on his campaign’s Facebook page Friday, Oct. 10.

Spencer, who is charged with second-degree murder, is scheduled to stand trial in January 2026, CNN reported.

Spencer is accused of fatally shooting Michael Fosler on Oct. 8, 2024, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

The shooting occurred after the military veteran allegedly found his 14-year-old daughter in a truck with the 67-year-old man, per CNN.

Spencer allegedly told police that Fosler kidnapped his daughter and “lunged towards him” when he ordered him out of the truck, according to an affidavit, CNN reported.

He told police he “had no choice,” per the affidavit, according to the outlet.

At the time of the shooting, Fosler was facing multiple charges including internet stalking of a child, sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child and possession of child pornography, per the outlet.

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“I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed,” Spencer said in the one-minute Facebook video. “And through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.”

Spencer said his campaign to run for sheriff of the department that arrested him “isn’t about me.”

“It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community,” he said. “It’s about restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side, and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need.”