A significant amount of methamphetamine, along with other narcotics and a handgun, was recovered during a pursuit Monday afternoon after an officer with the Benton Police Department’s Benton Interstate Criminal Enforcement Patrol (BICEP) unit attempted to stop a stolen pickup on Highway 67. The driver led the BNPD officer and deputies from the Selective Enforcement Unit of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office on a pursuit onto Highway 229 toward Benton that ended at the 12,000 block of I-30, where a brief foot pursuit ensued. Two suspects were apprehended with assistance from Saline County Deputies and Arkansas State Troopers.
BNPD Police Chief Scotty Hodges said the incident showcases the invaluable knowledge and expertise of both local and state agencies and, ultimately, resulted in fewer narcotics and criminals on the streets.
“There was a lot of seamless effort from everyone, and BNPD is grateful to work alongside them. Our community is safer as a result of these individuals being taken into custody.”
While crossing the Saline River Bridge, the suspects threw out a plastic bag that was recovered by officers and found to contain approximately 1.4 pounds of methamphetamine valued at nearly $14,000, along with assorted prescription pills. The suspects also threw a Glock 43 pistol from the vehicle, which was also recovered and determined to have been stolen out of Garland County.
William Wiley, 27, of Malvern and Faith Rowland, 22, of Hot Springs were charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Schedule II drug with the Purpose to Deliver, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, two counts of Theft by Receiving (stolen vehicle and stolen firearm), Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate a Crime, and Fleeing on foot. Wiley was also charged with Fleeing by Vehicle and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons. Both individuals had active warrants from multiple agencies at the time of their arrest.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the message, via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play or at www.crimereports.com.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless/until proven guilty.