New details in the shooting death of a Salvation Army officer and pastor gunned down on Christmas Eve in front of his family.
Our media partner-- Stephens Media reports a retired sheriff’s deputy saw the men who killed Major Philip Wise. The former deputy, who wishes to remain anonymous, told police he saw three men; one wearing a red sports jacket who kept an eye out as the other two, wearing all back, approached the Major. A $2,000 reward is being offered to find them.
"He was devoted to doing God's work,” says George Dykes of the Salvation Army.
Police say Wise’s three young children witnessed the shooting death of their father on Christmas Eve. His wife Cindy, a captain with the Salvation Army, called 911.
“He was a great man,” Dykes added.
Wise’s Salvation Army counterparts are remembering him for being committed to their cause.
"He had an excellent heart for giving and helping others and devoted his time to helping others,” Dykes said.
Authorities say Wise was helping others when two young men robbed him. He had just returned to the Salvation Army from taking volunteer bell ringers home.
"How could it happen on Christmas Eve when our families are getting ready to go on vacation after months of long work and helping others?" asked Area Commander Major Harvey Johnson.
Johnson responded to the scene immediately after hearing of the shooting.
Friday, as families gathered for Christmas dinner at the Salvation Army, the mood was bittersweet.
"{It’s} just a senseless killing,” said Lettie Bell, a cook.
She frequently came in contact with Wise.
"He would say ‘mamma I haven't seen you in a while’. He would say ‘it's good to see you’ and pat me on the back…this is supposed to be a happy time and it happened at this time. That's the worst time that it could happen….he was a very special person,” Bell said.
Wise was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He had a passion for teaching music to youth. The Salvation Army is accepting donations in his honor that will help send children to music camp. A fund to assist his family will also be announced Monday.
Anyone with information about the robbers is asked to call North Little Rock police or Crime Stoppers at 501-758-1234. Someone answers that line 24 hours a day and officers will accept anonymous tips as well.
