Benton Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Country Oaks Road around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday in reference to two male subjects involved in an altercation. The disturbance became physical, and one subject suffered stab wounds during the struggle.
Benton Police Department detectives continue their investigation of the fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred the morning of Jan. 15. Jerrica Speed, 28, of Hot Springs, has been named as the driver. Speed made contact with authorities regarding the incident, and investigators were able to confirm the vehicle’s involvement.
Benton Police Department detectives announced today they have identified the vehicle and driver involved in the Jan. 15 incident resulting in the death of one juvenile victim. The name of the driver is not being released at this time as detectives continue their investigation.
Following a criminal investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting of 42-year-old William Whitfield on July 24, 2022, Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Walton determined Benton Police Officer Brian Franklin was justified in his actions. The shooting resulted from a traffic stop turned pursuit that began near Cox and Edison and ended in the 2000 block of Kay Road. Whitfield succumbed to injuries sustained in the encounter.
BNPD responded to Tyndall Park on the evening of Sept. 20 for reports of shots fired stemming from a disturbance at the East entrance of the park among several individuals. Two adult victims suffered injuries and were transported for treatment. They have since been released.
BNPD responded to the Hwy 67 Big Red Valero on the afternoon of Sept. 23 in reference to shots being fired. Following investigation by detectives, it was determined a disturbance between two drivers escalated to shots being fired. Warrants have now been issued for both drivers.
