Aaron Spencer has pledged that law enforcement in Arkansas will again be on the side of families if he is elected

A US military veteran has announced plans to run for sheriff in an Arkansas county despite being charged with the murder of a man who sexually assaulted his daughter.

Aaron Spencer, 37, allegedly shot dead Michael Fosler, 67, in October 2024 after discovering him in a car with his 14-year-old daughter. At the time of the incident, Fosler had been charged with multiple sexual offenses against the veteran's child, but was released on bail.

Spencer told police that he "had no choice" but to open fire as Fosler "lunged towards him" when he ordered him to get out of the truck, according to court papers.

In a video published on Facebook on Friday, Spencer - who is running for sheriff of Lonoke County - described himself as a "father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed."

"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," he said.

The veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division said his campaign to become a sheriff "is not about me; it is about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and in their community."

"It is 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," he added.

The clip gathered more than 8,000 likes in the space of three days, with multiple commentators saying they would support Spencer's candidacy.

The vote for Lonoke County sheriff is scheduled to take place in November next year. Jeff Staley, who has been in the job for more than a decade, has announced plans to seek re-election.

Spencer's trial on charges of second-degree murder is set to begin on January 26, 2026.