Kokomo woman arrested for attempting to murder husband

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) – A Howard County woman is sitting in jail Thursday night accused of shooting her husband twice and leading deputies on a high speed chase.

It happened early Thursday morning at a mobile home park on County Road 200 South outside Kokomo.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year-old Eric Fortson was taken to the hospital in Kokomo then airlifted to Indianapolis. At last checked he was listed in fair condition.

Deputies responded after receiving several 911 calls of people hearing gunshots and a woman screaming.

Fortson’s daughter told deputies she heard her dad yelling for help and went outside to check. She said she found him slumped over the hood of the car. She said her dad told her her mom shot him several times and to call 911.

People who know the family told 24-Hour News 8 they are in disbelief.

“I was like just thinking, why would she do that?” said Kirsten Sargent, Howard County resident.

While deputies and medics headed to the scene, the victim’s daughter told dispatch, her mom left then came back. She said her mom shot her dad again then drove off.

A deputy found Laura Fortson and tried to pull her over.

But deputies said she led them on a chase through Howard County into northern Miami County. Deputies used stop sticks to end the chase and arrested Fortson.

Kirsten Sargent stopped by the victim’s home today with her mother.

“My brother was good friends with the son the oldest one so I’m thinking about him,” she said.

While deputies continue to investigate, Sargent said she will continue to pray for the family to get through this difficult time.

“I just want them to know I’m here because I lost a dad too,” she said. “Praying for them.”

Deputies said Laura Fortson was charged with attempted murder, resisting law enforcement and reckless driving.

Deputies have not said what led to the shooting.