McDonald County, AR

McDonald County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

I did not realize Facebook will not allow copy of text.  Summary: couple returns home and finds burglar, 62, in their home barricaded in room.  The burglar shoots at them.  Husband and wife return fire.  Both shots hit him.  They disarm him and hold him for police.

Fort Smith, AR

 5/17/21 channel 40:

FORT SMITH, Ark. —

Two people are dead following a shooting Saturday morning in Fort Smith, according to police.


Aric Mitchell, Public Information Officer for the Fort Smith Police Department, told 40/29 the shooting happen at Three Corners Townhouses on South 74th Street.


Mitchell said calls about the gunfire began coming in at 7:19 a.m. and when police arrived, two people were dead.

According to police, 87-year-old Lois Hicks was shot multiple times inside of her apartment by an individual with a semi-automatic rifle. The shooter, 26-year-old Zachary Arnold continued to shoot his rifle at neighboring apartments....

Police added that a resident at the complex heard the gunfire and shot and killed Arnold with a hunting rifle as Arnold continued to shoot at neighboring apartments.

Mountain Pine, AR

12/22/16 KHTV:

Shop owner Sonny Singh said that he got to the Mountain Pine Corner Store around midnight after grabbing some dinner. The store was closed, but he heard alarms going off.

He said that he went inside and saw a man with a gun and some money so he rushed behind the counter and got his shotgun.

Singh says he told the man to drop the gun, but instead he fired a shot. That's when Singh fired back.

Arkansas: Former Blinn player shot during alleged burglary attempt

Jonesboro, Arkansas

From the Brenham Banner-Press of July 13, 2009

Former Blinn player shot during alleged burglary attempt

Former Blinn College football player Paul Stephens was shot early Saturday morning after he allegedly tried to burglarize a local residence, according to a report by The Jonesboro Sun.

Stephens, who was listed as the starting cornerback for Arkansas State University after earning the job during spring practices, was taken to St. Bernards Medical Center after being shot in the torso, The Sun reports.

When police responded to an emergency call to investigate a burglary, 25-year-old Antonio Williams told them he shot an intruder at his apartment. Shortly thereafter, police were able to locate Stephens, who had a gunshot wound in his midsection.

Further information will be released when the investigation is complete, investigators told The Sun.

Stephens last played for Blinn in 2007, where he started at cornerback and returned punts and kickoffs. He played for Arkansas State last season, recording 10 tackles and one interception.

From the Associated Press of July 14, 2009

Arkansas St. CB Paul Stephens kicked off team

Arkansas State cornerback Paul Stephens has been dismissed from the team.

Stephens was hospitalized over the weekend with a gunshot wound to his midsection. A man told police that he shot an intruder trying to break into an apartment.

Arkansas State announced Stephens' dismissal from the Red Wolves on Monday night, saying it was for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Arkansas: Worker Shoots Burglary Suspect During Break-In

Little Rock, Arkansas

From KTHV of July 7, 2009

Worker Shoots Burglary Suspect During Break-In

A worker at a Little Rock motorcycle dealership shot a burglary suspect early Tuesday morning.

Around 5:00 a.m., police responded to a burglar alarm at BMW Motorcycles of Little Rock on Jones Street.

An employee, Julius Ceasaer, told officers that he was sleeping in the business when he heard a loud noise. He then saw a dark colored Dodge pick up backing into the business. Ceasaer said that he grabbed his shotgun, approached the front door and saw a man looking around at some of the motorcycles that were on display.

When the suspect, 43-year-old Haywood Patterson, saw Ceasaer, he ran out of the business.

Two other suspects inside the pick up then drove away. Ceasaer saw Patterson crouching down outside. Ceasaer told police he feared Patterson may have had a weapon, so he fired shots at him.

Patterson was wounded in the upper body and face. He attempted to flee the area, but was caught shortly after. He was transported to UAMS where his injuries are life threatening.

No charges have been filed at this time and detectives are working to identify the other two suspects in the truck

Arkansas: 'Case cleared' in shooting of dazed intruder

Conway, Arkansas

From the Log Cabin Democrat of April 24, 2009

'Case cleared' in shooting of dazed intruder

There will be no charges against any involved in an April 11 incident that resulted in a 20-year-old Conway man being shot in the leg after intruding into a home.

Paul Willey told a Conway Police Department detective Brian Williams that he had been awake for several days and had entered "a hypnotized state."

Willey said this hypnotic trance "is why he was walking on cars and swinging through trees," Williams wrote in a supplementary report released Thursday.

In his apparently dazed state Willey entered a Baxter Drive residence believing that a friend lived there and jumped out of a second-floor window when confronted by a homeowner armed with a Walther PPK .380 caliber handgun.

This homeowner told Williams that he fired two shots "into the ground in an effort to get the suspect to stop" as Willey fled through a neighbor's yard. He said he wasn't aware that one of the bullets had hit Willey in the leg, causing what is described in the report as a "through and through" injury that bled very little. Willey was treated and released by Conway Regional Medical Center that day.

The families of Willey and the homeowner who shot him have "all decided not to pursue charges (against) each other," Williams wrote, and 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Marcus Vaden has "advised that he will not file charges per the victims' request."

"No further action taken, the case will be exceptionally cleared," the report concludes.

Arkansas: LR Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber

Little Rock, Arkansas

From Today's THV of March 24, 2009

LR Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber

A trip to Wal-Mart on Cantrell Road ended in a violent struggle for a Little Rock couple.

It happened around 11:20 p.m. Monday night in a Wal-Mart parking lot off Cantrell Rd and Chenal Parkway.

Police say the couple tried to get away from the man, but when it didn't work, they took action.

Monday night, Jamie Bitely left the store and walked into what police say was a couple turning the tables on a would-be robber.

"The first thing I heard was the first gun shot and that's when I turned to see what was going on," says Bitely.

"That's when I saw the man who was apparently the victim and I seen him fire the his fire arm [SIC] a couple more times at that time that's when I laid down on the ground until the shots stop," says Bitely.

According to the police report, a husband and wife were unloading groceries into their Jeep when a man wearing a wig and cap allegedly confronted them, pointing a gun. At that point, the report says the suspect said "'This is a robbery'" and went after the woman's purse.

Police say the suspect allegedly hit the woman and ripped the bag from the woman's arm. Police say that's when her husband took action.

Sgt. Cassandra Davis says the husband fired at Jonathan Terry, hitting him in the rear end.

"The husband than retrieved his own personal weapon. He did ask the suspect to release his wife and the purse. The suspect refused," says Sgt. Davis.

Police say Terry jumped into a waiting car and his friends, Sherry Battle and Tequila Rice drove him to UAMS. "They were at the hospital and our officers took those individuals into custody also," explains Sgt. Davis.

All three are facing Aggravated Robbery Charges. This news put some witnesses like David Rollins only slightly at ease. "I'm a little bit more scared going to Wal-Mart late at night," says Rollins.

Police say Battles and Rice fought with officers and are also facing battery charges.

Today's THV has the couple's names, but since they haven't been charged with a crime, we've decided not to mention them to protect their privacy.

Home Invader Shot in Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas

From January 22, 2009 KATV channel 7:

Little Rock - Two people are in custody following a west Little Rock home intrusion during which one suspect was shot.

The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. Thursday at 31 Marcella Drive.

Authorities say a resident inside the home exchanged gunfire with one of the intruders, shooting him in the hip before the trio fled. As police officers were en route to the scene, they noticed a suspicious vehicle, and a chase began.

...

Keaton suffered a gunshot wound to his left hip, and was transported to a local hospital. Davis was taken into custody and charged with attempted capital murder, obstruction of justice, and numerous robbery charges. Charges are still pending against Keaton.

A third suspect remains on the loose.

No one in the home was injured.

Arkansas: 87-year-old scares man

Batesville, Arkansas

From the Batesville Daily Guard of January 12, 2009

87-year-old scares man

Altha Rider usually keeps a .38 pistol by her bedside. Thursday night, the 87-year-old woman was ready to use it.

It wasn’t long after Rider went to bed Thursday night that someone tried to kick in the front door of her home at 65 Brushy Road, she told an officer, whom she met at the carport door with pistol in hand.

In a phone interview this morning, Rider told the Guard she is still a little shaken by the incident.

Rider said she had gone to bed around 9 p.m. with a light on in her den, and was awakened by the sound of her front door being kicked in around 10.

“When I heard the racket I screamed and then got up to see what happened,” Rider said. “I couldn’t see anyone, so I got up and went lookin’.”

Rider went looking with the .38 pistol that she keeps by her bedside for protection. She said she also has a .410 shotgun, but realized that would only give her one shot before she would have to reload.

According to Rider, the intruder had tried unsuccessfully to gain entry through a back door before going to the front of her home. The bottom half of the door was broken and splintered from the dead bolt down.

“He unlocked my storm door to get to the wood door,” Rider said. “But he didn’t get the door open — the door lock held.”

After not seeing anyone around her house, Rider said she called a family member, who then called police.

“They (police) were here right away and looked around, but they couldn’t find anybody,” Rider said.

The following day, an arrest was made and a missing person case was closed.

Police say Keith Eugene White, 31, of Batesville, reported missing since Nov. 25, 2008, was reportedly caught on McHue Road Friday morning.

This burglary occurred, police say, following the break-in attempt at Rider’s home.

According to Lt. Brenda Bittle, White was caught when deputies responded to a break-in on McHue Road.

“A key holder went to check on the house and found a door kicked in,” Bittle said. “When deputies arrived they searched the house and found White inside,” Bittle said.

“He had in his possession several items taken from other homes in the area Thursday night,” Bittle said.

White was arrested without incident and taken to jail, where he confessed to several burglaries and is a suspect in several more, Bittle said.

“He was out of prison on parole for burglary,” she said.

White is being held on a “no bond” parole hold pending formal charges.

Fort Smith, Arkansas Woman Defends Herself From Robbers

Fort Smith, Arkansas

From December 17, 2008 KFSM channel 5:

FORT SMITH - She's a woman who knows how to protect herself as two men who tried to rob her found out. What they didn't know was the woman is licensed to carry a concealed weapon...and yes, she was packing heat.

"A lady was flagged over Sunday evening about 6 p.m. on the interstate between Kelley Highway and the Arkansas river bridge." Lt. Steve Coppinger with State Police says that two men in a car signaled that the woman was getting a flat tire.

"When she pulled over to check her tires one of those person in that other car got out and attempted to rob her at knife point."

But what the thief didn't expect happened next. Coppinger says the female driver pulled out her handgun.

"She pointed that at her attacker and he backed away, got in the car and they fled."

Investigators say the would-have-been victim was able to turn the tables because she had a concealed carry permit. State police are keeping some details of the investigation close to their vest so they will know when they get the right guys. Right now, officials are saying they believe this to be an isolated incident.

Additional commentary at Weathering the Broken Links.

Arkansas: Mother Shoots, Kills Son In Self-Defense, Police Say

Franklin County, Arkansas

From the Fort Smith Times Record of December 16, 2008

Mother Shoots, Kills Son In Self-Defense, Police Say

A Franklin County man was killed by his mother Sunday, likely in self-defense, after he reportedly pistol-whipped her and his stepfather, authorities said.

Cameron Utsler, 22, was shot to death at the Prairie Street residence he shared with his mother and stepfather, north of Charleston, according to Lt. Steve Coppinger of the Arkansas State Police.

“Right now it looks like a justified shooting,” David Gibbons, Franklin County’s district attorney, said on Monday.

Troopers were dispatched to the residence at around 1:20 a.m. Sunday. Utsler was found dead at the scene, Coppinger said.

Utsler’s mother and stepfather, whose names were not revealed by either Coppinger or Gibbons, told investigators that Utsler became violent toward them after they had returned home from a Christmas party, according to Coppinger.

“He was upset that he was excluded from a family Christmas get-together,” Coppinger said.

Utsler reportedly brandished a handgun and at one point struck both his mother and stepfather on the head with the pistol, according to Coppinger. How many times Utsler struck them with the gun was not revealed.

“I don’t believe he discharged the weapon, he just physically beat them,” Coppinger said. “One of the parents, out of a defensive posture, had to get a firearm and shoot him.”

Coppinger described both the mother and stepfather as “very small in stature” and “slenderly built.” Utsler, however, was described as more than 6 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds.

“He’s a big guy with a violent history,” Coppinger said.

The mother and stepfather told investigators that Utsler had physically abused them in the past.

Because the shooting is believed to be self-defense, an arrest was not made.

“For this to occur right at the Christmas holiday must be very traumatic for the mother,” Coppinger said.

Both the mother and stepfather were treated and released from a local hospital, according to Coppinger

It is not known if Utsler had a history of mental instability, Coppinger said.

Gibbons said that until the State Police investigation is complete, he cannot officially clear the shooting as an act of self-defense.

Utsler’s body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, where an autopsy will be conducted.

Arkansas: Malvern Man Holds Intruder At Gunpoint Until Police Arrive

Malvern, Arkansas

From KTHV of December 17, 2008

Malvern Man Holds Intruder At Gunpoint Until Police Arrive

A Malvern family gets an unexpected visitor in their home and the next to arrive is police.

It started out as a normal morning for the Newborns last Thursday, but as Lester Newborn was getting out of the shower he says his worst fears were realized as he heard his daughter scream "There's someone in the house!"

Lester Newborn adds, "I have no idea what she was planning on doing all I know is she came in my house."

Newborn says the intruder probably walked through the neighborhood looking for an open door or window and happened to find theirs. "I was messing with Christmas lights outside and I left a window unlocked and that's the window she came through."

His daughter Brittney Newborn adds, "She came in through my bedroom window and she took the screen off and she just came in. I heard her making noise in my room I was in another room I just came in to see what it was and she was just standing right there."

Brittney says as she screamed for her dad she left the room and he walked in with a .357 hand gun.

Newborn adds, "We're all blessed because evidentially she was on some kind of drugs or something because she didn't resist at all. The weapon is for protection in my home and I'm glad and thankful I didn't have to shot her."

Malvern Police tell us they do patrol more often during the holidays, but it is up to you to make sure your home is safe and secure and if you have a registered gun you have the right to protect yourself.

Detective Randy Neal with Malvern Police says, "You don't want to take anyone's life and chances are you never know what their intentions are he did the right thing he never pulled the trigger on her."

Detective Neal says they've had a string of robberies this holiday season. He continues, "Just keep everything locked that's a big deterrent usually when we get residential burglaries because it's not locked 90 percent of the time."

The Newborns say they learned their lesson and this Christmas will be especially meaningful.

Brittney says, "It will be different for me because it will make me extra thankful for my family and so thankful that this situation didn't turn out tragically."

Police say the intruder is 30-year-old Jennifer Draper. She's being charged with residential burglary and held on $5,000 bond.

Days earlier in Hot Spring County a homeowner held two intruders at gun point. Police say they had items in their car from previous burglaries.

Arkansas: Ark. man forces way into wrong house, fatally shot

Trumann, Arkanas

From WXVT of December 8, 2008

Ark. man forces way into wrong house, fatally shot

Police in northeast Arkansas say a Trumann man looking for his wife after an argument went to the wrong home and was shot to death by the homeowner when he tried to force his way inside.

Trumann police say Saturday's shooting death of 34-year-old Todd Short appears to be a justifiable homicide. Police Chief Larry Blagg says Short apparently got into an argument with his wife, and that she went to a family friend's home. According to police, Todd Short went to a nearby home - thinking that's where his wife was staying - and tried to force his way inside.

The homeowner, Jimmy Hand, then fatally shot Short with a shotgun. Police say the two homes were "cookie cutter" and that both had similar cars in the driveway.

The shooting remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed against Hand.

Arkansas: LR Store Clerk Shoots Would-be Robber

Little Rock, Arkansas

From Arkansas Matters of October 30, 2008

LR Store Clerk Shoots Would-be Robber

A would-be robber was shot in the leg Thursday morning in Little Rock after a store clerk turned the tables on him.

The suspect walked into the Pic-Pac Liquor store at 12th & Peyton around 7:00.

After pulling a gun on the clerk, the clerk pulled his own weapon, fired at the man, then chased the suspect outside the store, and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.

Police say the store was "ready for a robbery," and that this was not the first time the store had been held up.

"We have recovered both weapons, the robber's weapon plus the owner's weapon and we'll continue the investigation. Any charges that may be filed, we'll put that up to the prosecutor's office once we get the file complete," said Lt. Terry Hastings, spokesman for the Little Rock Police Department.

"We don't recommend that anyone use violence against a person, but businesses do have that right, and he does have the right to defend himself. When this individual came into the store, pulled a gun, it's a robbery, he does have that right," Hastings said.

Police have not yet released the names of the clerk or the suspect as their investigation into the incident continues.

The suspect's gunshot wound is not believed to be life-threatening.

Arkansas: Burglary suspect shot while choking homeowner

Greers Ferry, Arkansas

From the Heber Springs Sun-Times of July 30, 2008

Burglary suspect shot while choking homeowner

Chris Hooten, 34, of Greers Ferry, is recovering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen after a scuffle around 10:15 p.m. Friday. He reportedly entered a home without permission, fought and choked the homeowner, and was shot in the process. Hooten, and James Gadberry, 26, of Greers Ferry, reportedly went to the home of Don Brown on Shaw Road earlier in the afternoon Friday and an argument ensued. "Brown was upset over how Hooten and Gadberry reportedly treated a female," said Detective Phil Burnham with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Department. "Brown told them both to leave and they did."

Hooten and Gadberry returned to the Brown home just after 10 p.m. "Brown was asleep on the couch when he heard someone beating on the door. He saw the two men outside and told them to leave."

According to authorities, Gadberry and Brown said Hooten forced his way into the home, pushing the door open. "Brown fell on top of an iron stove. He got up and the two men continued to harass him. He went back to the couch where he was sleeping and pulled out a pistol."

Gadberry reportedly moved toward Brown and was hit on the head. "Hooten jumped on Brown and started choking him. When he felt like he was going to pass out he fired a shot, hitting Hooten in the abdomen."

Hooten made his way outside where he passed out. "Gadberry went outside too. Hooten was taken by helicopter to the White County Medical Center in Searcy. He underwent a successful surgery."

The two men are being charged with residential burglary and aggravated assault. "Hooten will be charged upon his release from the hospital."

Brown is not facing any charges at this time, according to Burnham.

Prairie Creek, Arkansas Home Intruder

Prairie Creek, Arkansas

From the July 10, 2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:

A Prairie Creek resident shot and killed a neighbor who had kicked in his door Tuesday evening and tried to assault him, police said.

Johnny Hawthorne shot Mekin Kantaphone with a handgun once in the head in self-defense inside Hawthorne’s home, Benton County sheriff’s Capt. Mike Sydoriak said.

The prosecuting attorney’s office will decide whether the shooting was justified, Sydoriak said.

Kantaphone, 34, sent threatening text and voice messages to Hawthorne, 25, earlier in the day, he said.

“He was threatening to beat him and kill him,” Sydoriak said.

“There was certainly that assumption by the deceased that there was a relationship between the shooter and the deceased’s wife,” said Benton County sheriff’s deputy Doug Gay. “Whether there is any validity to that remains under investigation.” Kantaphone was a weight lifter who was much larger than Hawthorne, Sydoriak said. Kantaphone recently worked as a mechanic for American Airlines. He exercised regularly at World Gym in Bentonville.

...

On Tuesday evening, Kantaphone and his brother, Ole Kantaphone, drove to Hawthorne’s home at 8549 Wild Cherry Drive.

Ole Kantaphone tried to stop his brother from going to the door, but he wouldn’t listen, Sydoriak said.

“He tried to reason with him and stop him, but he couldn’t hold him back,” Sydoriak said.

Arkansas: Woman Shoots and Kills Husband in Self-Defense in Arkansas

El Dorado, Arkansas

From MyEyewitnessNews of July 7, 2008

Woman Shoots and Kills Husband in Self-Defense in Arkansas

A woman shot and killed her husband at their home outside of El Dorado, and the Union County sheriff says the slaying was in self-defense.

Sheriff Ken Jones said the incident happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, when deputies found 47 year-old Roger Gates dead inside the home. Jones says 37 year-old Kimberly Gates told him that her husband had attacked her and that she was afraid for her life and her baby's. Officials say she was able to get away from her husband, get a gun from the bathroom, and shoot him.

Jones said the case is still under investigation and that the results will be given to a prosecutor, who will determine if charges should be filed.

Arkansas: Homeowner in Rudy, Ark., shoots man stealing gas

Rudy, Arkansas

From KSPR of June 3, 2008

Homeowner in Rudy, Ark., shoots man stealing gas

With prices nearing $4 a gallon, sheriff's deputies say Mark Holsted wanted to steal some gasoline from an unsuspecting resident of Crawford County.

However, that high price likely kept a homeowner armed with a 9mm pistol alert as well.

Deputies say an unidentified homeowner shot Holsted in the arm and thigh late Sunday night after spotting him stealing gas from a car parked outside a home in Rudy. Officers say Holsted was armed with a rifle at the time of the shooting and had an accomplice and a getaway driver.

Holsted was listed in stable condition at a Fort Smith hospital Monday. Deputies say he'll face charges once he is released from the hospital's care.

The AAA said the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in nearby Fort Smith on Monday was $3.81.

Arkansas: Shooting ruled self defense

Searcy, Arkansas

From the Daily Citizen of March 5, 2008

Shooting ruled self defense

The killing of a Beebe man in Searcy has been ruled self defense by local prosecutors.

Jose Martinez, 24, kicked in the locked back door and illegally entered the home of Kevin M. Reed at 1300 West Arch St. in Searcy, according to a press release. The incident happened at 2:26 p.m. Jan. 8.

According to Reed, Martinez threatened him with bodily harm, prosecutors say, and Reed fired eight shots at Martinez, killing him.

“The Searcy Police Department investigation confirms that the door to the home was dead bolted and forcibly kicked in,” the press release stated, and “paint from the door was found on the bottom of Mr. Martinez' shoe.”

The shooting was within the provisions of Arkansas law, and no criminal charges will be filed, prosecutors said.

As officers entered the residence, they discovered Martinez dead of an apparent gunshot wound. The body was sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

State law (5-2-607) says “a person is justified in using deadly physical force upon another person if the person reasonably believes that the other person is (1) committing or about to commit a felony involving force or violence, (2) using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force” or “(3) imminently endangering the person's life or imminently about to victimize the person” in reference to domestic abuse.

State law (5-2-620) says, “the right of an individual to defend himself or herself and the life of a person or property in the individual's home against harm, injury or loss by a person unlawfully entering or attempting to enter or intrude into the home is reaffirmed as a fundamental right.” That law also states that, “there is a legal presumption that any force or means used to accomplish a purpose” was “exercised in a lawful and necessary manner, unless the presumption is overcome by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.”

Dardanelle, Arkansas Home Intruder Shot & Killed

Dardanelle, Arkansas

From the February 22, 2008 Russellville, Arkansas Courier:

A Dardanelle man is dead after he and an unidentified accomplice apparently broke into a residence off State Highway 22 near Dardanelle late Wednesday night, authorities said Thursday.

Yell County Sheriff Bill Gilkey confirmed one of the home’s occupants shot and killed Mike Jensen, 44, after Jensen and another man allegedly entered the residence by kicking in the front door.

Four people were inside the home at the time of the break-in, Gilkey said.

Jensen — who after entering the home made his way down a hallway and was at the point of entering a bedroom when he was shot — was armed with an SKS assault rifle investigators later learned was not loaded, Gilkey said.

The other intruder fled the scene in a vehicle authorities recovered Thursday morning, Gilkey said, adding investigators were working to process the vehicle in hopes of learning the second man’s identity.

Gilkey said authorities do not expect any charges will be filed against the homeowner — who Gilkey said used “a shotgun” to deter Jensen — in connection with the matter.

He said the intruders’ motive was uncertain.

“We’re just assuming that they came in there to rob the family,” he said.

UPDATE: The link above is now dead, but this February 25, 2008 Today's THV tells much the same story.