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Gary Griffin, 62, of Benton- WANTED

Benton Police Department responded to an address on Line Back Dunn Road at approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday in reference to an escaped victim who had been held hostage and severely beaten. Officers canvassed the area and determined the suspect, 62-year-old Gary Griffin, of Benton, had left the scene in one of the family vehicles.

Benton Police Department officers responded to the 3100 block of Hamilton Cove around 9:45 p.m. Sunday in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found 37-year-old Karla Coffman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported for treatment but later succumbed to her injuries. Forty-four-year-old Jonathan Coffman was found deceased at the scene- also from a gunshot wound.

BNPD officers responded to a single-vehicle fatality accident that occurred around 3 p.m. Saturday near Highway 5 and Estates Drive.

The driver, 19-year-old Hannah Haney, of Ulm, Ark., succumbed to her injuries stemming from the accident.

Benton Police Department officers responded to the railroad tracks behind the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, located at 735 S. Neeley Street, just before 9:15 a.m. Sunday in reference to an unattended death.

Following a lengthy investigation, Benton Police Department detectives announced today the arrest of 28-year-old Jerrica Speed, of Hot Springs, for her involvement in the death of 13-year-old Zarious Evans, of Benton, on Jan. 15.

Left: Cottongin; Right: Richmond

Benton Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Country Oaks Road around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday in reference to two male subjects involved in an altercation. The disturbance became physical, and one subject suffered stab wounds during the struggle.

Benton Police Department detectives continue their investigation of the fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred the morning of Jan. 15. Jerrica Speed, 28, of Hot Springs, has been named as the driver. Speed made contact with authorities regarding the incident, and investigators were able to confirm the vehicle’s involvement.

Benton Police Department detectives announced today they have identified the vehicle and driver involved in the Jan. 15 incident resulting in the death of one juvenile victim. The name of the driver is not being released at this time as detectives continue their investigation.