On 2/3/14, at approximately 10:37 PM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to a disturbance with shots fired call at 2920 Edison Avenue. Upon their arrival in the area, officers made contact with the victim in the case who advised the suspect in the case had threatened her and other occupants of the home with a firearm.
Officers then proceeded to make contact with the suspect, later identified as Joseph A. Rippy (27 YOA), at the residence. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Rippy had discharged a shotgun in close proximity to individuals in the home during a disturbance that took place. The victim in the case then fled the home with the other occupants due to the seriousness of the disturbance.
Rippy is charged with Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons (Felon), Commission of a Terroristic Act, 4 counts of Aggravated Assault on a Family Member, 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, and 4 counts of Terroristic Threatening. This is an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming in the future.
Anyone with information about 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.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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