On 9/4/14, at approximately 10:24 AM, officers with the Benton Police Department were dispatched to the old Saline County Airport (Airlane Dr.) on report of a disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers made contact with four individuals who were there.
Two of the individuals, identified as Robert Runyan (69 YOA) of Traskwood and James Dougherty (65 YOA) of Benton, had been in an argument when it escalated to a physical confrontation.
According to witnesses and information gathered, Dougherty at some point indicated he was going to get a gun from his vehicle at which time Runyan then grabbed him from behind. During the confrontation, Dougherty fell to the ground and twisted his leg, resulting in injuries. Information from witnesses also indicates that Runyan was choking Dougherty during the confrontation.
Dougherty was transported to Saline Memorial Hospital for treatment and was cited for Disorderly Conduct and Terroristic Threatening. Runyan was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Carrying a Prohibited Weapon, and Aggravated Assault. A gun was located in Dougherty’s vehicle and Runyan was found to be in possession of an illegal knife.
The investigation is on-going, but anyone with information about this crime 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. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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