Army vet dad runs for sheriff while charged with gunning down daughter's alleged sexual predator

An Arkansas father facing charges for allegedly gunning down his teenage daughter’s suspected sexual predator has launched a campaign to be sheriff, while imploring voters that he intends to “bring trust, accountability and safety” back to the local community. 

Aaron Spencer first made headlines in 2024 after he allegedly shot and killed Michael Fosler, 67, as Fosler was driving off with his 14-year-old daughter, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. Fosler had previously been charged with “numerous sexual offenses” against Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting, court documents indicated.

Prosecutors allege that in October 2024, Spencer awoke to find his daughter missing from the family’s home, prompting him to leave to search for her. According to court documents, Spencer located his daughter inside Fosler’s truck and forced the vehicle off the highway. 

A screenshot of a Facebook campaign video of Arkansas dad, Aaron Spencer.

Aaron Spencer has announced he is running for sheriff in Arkansas, one year after being arrested for allegedly gunning down a man charged with sexually assaulting his daughter. (Aaron Spencer/Facebook)

The two men allegedly engaged in an altercation, ending with Spencer calling 911 to report that he had shot the man.

Spencer was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The incident prompted Spencer, who is an Army veteran and farmer, to announce in a Facebook post that he is running for sheriff in Lonoke County, Arkansas. 

Aaron Spencer's mugshot in Arkansas

Aaron Spencer is accused of killing a man suspected of preying on his daughter.  (Lonoke County Detention Center)

“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court,” Spencer said in the video. “And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.” 

In the campaign video, Spencer vowed to restore the community’s trust in law enforcement, while promising to “build a safer, stronger” county for residents in the same county where he was arrested.  

Aaron Spencer is running for Lonoke County sheriff

Aaron Spencer is running to be Lonoke County Sheriff while facing a second-degree murder charge in the same county for allegedly shooting a man charged with sexually assaulting his daughter. (Google Maps)

“This campaign isn’t about me,” Spencer said. “It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in the community. It’s 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.” 

Spencer is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 16, with his trial set to begin Jan. 26, 2026. 

Spencer and the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

You May Also Like
Search underway for suspect after 2 people shot inside Delaware hospital: police

Manhunt Launched After 2 People Shot Inside Delaware Hospital, Police Say

Two people were shot Tuesday at a hospital in Delaware, triggering a…
Couple recalls narrow escape from Merrillville, Indiana tornado as severe weather tomorrow includes tornado risk, strong storms

Couple Recalls Close Call in Merrillville Tornado as Tomorrow’s Severe Weather Brings New Tornado Threat

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — A week after a tornado ripped through Merrillville,…
G7 leaders back Trump's plan to end Iran war that faces skepticism at home

G7 Leaders Endorse Trump’s Iran War Exit Plan Amid Skepticism at Home

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Leaders at the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday…
Texas plane crash leaves one dead, more injured after business jet catches fire on highway

Texas Highway Plane Crash: 1 Dead, Several Injured After Business Jet Bursts Into Flames

A business jet went down on a Texas highway Tuesday night and…
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady amid resurgent inflation

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady as Inflation Pressures Reemerge

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday as…
Senior US officials dictate memorandum with Iran to journalists+

US Officials Quietly Shape Iran Memorandum Through Journalist Briefings

Senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed reporters on the memorandum of understanding…
Experts debunk Tyler Robinson's ballistics claim: 'Unable to identify is not the same as ruled out'

Prosecutors Grant Limited Immunity to Roommate and Lover of Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson

Robinson defense alleging prosecutor misconduct Criminal defense lawyer Josh Ritter appeared on…
'Happy Face' killer warns fellow serial killer Rex Heuermann could be 'tossed to the wolves' in prison

‘Happy Face’ killer says accused serial killer Rex Heuermann could face danger in prison

Keith Jesperson — the “Happy Face” serial killer who has been corresponding…
Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop

US Coast Guard Fires on Smuggling Boat Carrying 25 Chinese Migrants Off Florida After Pursuit

The U.S. Coast Guard fired on a boat off the Florida coast…
A mother's concern, call to authorities may have prevented potential attack on UFC event at the White House

Mother’s Tip to Authorities May Have Stopped Potential Attack at White House UFC Event

A suspected plan to attack Sunday night’s UFC event at the White…
Pence: Trump's Iran Deal 'Smacks of Appeasement'

Pence Says Trump’s Iran Deal Approach ‘Smacks of Appeasement’

Former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s emerging deal…
Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny

Karmelo Anthony Says He Is Broke as Parents’ Business Records Face Scrutiny

MCKINNEY, Texas – As convicted killer Karmelo Anthony asks for a taxpayer-funded…