A suspect is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting a man and shooting toward first responders while they were providing medical attention.
At approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday, July 9, an officer with the Benton Police Department heard two loud “bangs” within a minute of each other in the downtown area of Benton. A vehicle was noticed quickly accelerating at Market St. and Ashley, near the area of the loud noise, and a traffic stop was conducted. The driver, who was found to have a bullet wound in his left thigh, told officers that 45-year-old Gregory Overton of Bauxite shot him at 305 S. Main Street.
As officers and Benton Fire Rescue personnel were on the scene assisting the victim, a gunshot was heard and officers took cover. A second gunshot was subsequently heard and a projectile was heard hitting vegetations directly behind the officers parked at the Bart Owens – Randy Mooney Memorial Park.
During the investigation of the incident, Overton was developed as a suspect. Because of concern for safety, the SWAT team was called out and they checked two residences where Overton resided. Overton was subsequently taken into custody a short time later. As the investigation continued, the weapon believed to be used in this incident was recovered after it had been discarded by Overton.
Overton faces charges of 1st degree Battery, class Y felony; Terroristic Act, class Y felony; Aggravated Assault, class D felony; Criminal Mischief, class A misdemeanor; Discharge of a Firearm Within the City Limits (city ordinance violation); and Tampering with Physical Evidence, class D felony. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.
Anyone with information about the suspect or information about the 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. 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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