On 5/5/15, at approximately 10:15 PM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to Chapel Ridge Apartment (6101 Alcoa Rd.) on report of a disturbance. While en-route to the call, officers were informed several subjects were physically assaulting a victim on the ground.
Upon their arrival, officers observed a subject walking from the disturbance who then fled from them by foot. While chasing the suspect, officers observed a silver object come out of the suspect’s hand, which was later determined to be a pistol. The suspect was apprehended while trying to climb a fence and at first resisted arrest before being taken into custody.
The suspect at first provided false information about their identity, but it was later determined his name was Adonnis Ward (30 YOA) of Little Rock. The .40 caliber pistol that was thrown during the chase was taken and entered into evidence in the case.
Another suspect in the incident, Ashton Sparks (23 YOA) of Benton, was located at the scene of the disturbance. Based on information from witnesses and the victim, it was alleged that Sparks was involved in an argument that escalated to a physical confrontation with the victim. Allegedly, Sparks used a handheld ‘Taser’ like device to shock the victim during the fight that ensued. Sparks was placed under arrest without incident and the Taser was taken and entered into evidence in the case.
Sparks and Ward were both transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing. Sparks was charged with 2nd Degree Battery, and Ward was charged with Fleeing, Obstruction of a Governmental Operation, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Resisting Arrest. Additionally, Ward had an active warrant out of Pulaski County and Sherwood at the time of his arrest.
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 us 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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