The two suspects, Michael Dickson (34 YOA) and Wesley Harris (22 YOA), related to the commercial burglary and officer involved shooting incident that took place on 2/10/14 are now facing additional charges.
On 2/11/14, Dickson was released from the hospital and transferred to the Saline County Detention Facility. Dickson is charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Fleeing in a Vehicle, Commercial Burglary, 3 counts of Criminal Trespassing, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Breaking or Entering, 3 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, and Theft of Property. Additionally, Dickson also has a parole hold placed on him out of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections.
In addition to the original charges, Harris is also now charged with Theft of Property, Breaking or Entering, and an additional charge of Criminal Mischief 1st Degree. The additional charges stem from further investigation and evidence linking them to additional criminal activity.
This is still an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming as it continues.
Original Release on 2/10/14:
On 2/10/14, at approximately 3:52 AM, two officers with the Benton Police Department observed suspicious activity at the hotel construction site located adjacent to the Benton Events Center (17324 I-30). The officers then proceeded to check the property when they came upon two suspects inside an equipment trailer.
The officers then went to make contact with the suspects at which time one of them, later identified as Michael Dickson (34 YOA), became combative when an officer attempted to apprehend him. During the physical altercation that ensued, an officer discharged his pistol towards Dickson who was struck once. Dickson made it into his vehicle and proceeded to lead officers on a vehicle pursuit before eventually surrendering near Saline Memorial Hospital.
Dickson was admitted to Saline Memorial Hospital and is in satisfactory condition at this time. The officer involved in the shooting and physical altercation suffered some minor injuries, but was not admitted to the hospital. The officer was put on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation into this incident.
The other suspect found at the scene, later identified as Wesley Harris (22 YOA), took off running towards I-30 when confronted by officers. Officers chased Harris and eventually took him into custody in the parking lot of Murphy USA without further incident.
Upon his release from the hospital, Dickson will be charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fleeing in a Vehicle, Commercial Burglary, Criminal Trespassing, and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree. Harris is charged with Commercial Burglary, Criminal Trespassing, Fleeing on Foot, and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree.
Additionally, Dickson is also an active parolee out of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections. This is an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming.
Anybody with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip.
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