Aaron Spencer, an Arkansas father who fatally shot a man he found in a vehicle with his 14-year-old daughter last year, has declared his candidacy for sheriff in Lonoke County.
Spencer made the announcement Friday night on his campaign’s Facebook page, framing his run as a response to perceived failures in local law enforcement and a commitment to community safety.
Spencer introduced himself as a father and husband, emphasizing his experience as a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, a contractor and a farmer.
He stressed that his campaign is not motivated by personal ambition but by a desire to restore confidence in law enforcement so families can feel safe.
“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures,” Spencer said.
The incident that brought Spencer into the public spotlight occurred on October 8, 2024.
According to The Gateway Pundit, he had reported his daughter missing to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Department when deputies were en route.
Spencer located her inside a truck with 67-year-old Michael Fosler, a man with an extensive history of sexual offenses. During the confrontation, Spencer shot Fosler, who died at the scene.
Court records show Fosler faced more than 40 child sex crime charges, including internet stalking of a child and sexual assault, and was reportedly awaiting additional felony charges.
Spencer’s wife confirmed that they had called 911 during the incident and were unaware Fosler had been in contact with their daughter again.
“He was looking at the rest of his pathetic life in jail, and our daughter was the only witness,” she said.
Spencer was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement.
His pre-trial is scheduled for Dec. 16, with the trial set to begin January 26, 2026.
Court filings indicate his defense will argue the shooting occurred during an emotionally charged confrontation and that he acted to protect his daughter, KATV reports.
Despite the pending charges, Spencer has moved forward with his campaign.
He asserts that local law enforcement failed to safeguard his family and that other families may face similar risks.
“This campaign 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,” Spencer said. “It’s about restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know they will not be left alone in a moment of need.”
Support for Spencer has spread across Arkansas, with many praising him as a protective father who acted when the system failed.
Critics, however, question whether a man facing homicide charges should hold public office.
Legal analysts note the case will be closely observed, both for the charges themselves and for the implications of Spencer running for sheriff while awaiting trial.
Fosler had previously violated a no-contact order and allegedly stalked and sexually assaulted Spencer’s daughter.
Prosecutors highlighted the severity of his prior charges, which included multiple counts of sexual assault, internet communication with a child, sexual indecency and possession of child sexual abuse materials, according to THV 11.
Through his campaign, Spencer seeks to reform law enforcement practices and rebuild trust in the justice system.
He argues that the failures that allowed repeated contact between a convicted offender and a minor should never happen again.
His platform resonates with conservative voters who prioritize family safety, parental rights and accountability in law enforcement.
As Arkansas approaches local elections, Spencer’s candidacy highlights the intersection of personal tragedy, legal responsibility and civic engagement, underscoring the public’s interest in both family protection and the integrity of local justice.
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