Multiple agencies respond to incident in Pea Ridge that led to home evacuations

PEA RIDGE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Pea Ridge Police Department says it responded to a disturbance on Saturday night that led to the evacuation of multiple homes, according to a news release.

PRPD officers were dispatched to John W Montgomery Circle around 7:54 p.m. for a reported verbal disturbance. Officers were informed a man was heard screaming and holding a metal object while “possibly smashing things inside the residence,” the release said.

Once police arrived on the scene, the man was seen standing outside the home with a handgun but never pointed it at police, according to the release. Officers said they recognized the man and had previous encounters with him.

They were reportedly aware he suffered from a mental illness.

The man screamed at officers and ran behind the home. Officers heard a gunshot followed by screams from the man.

Two more gunshots were heard and shortly after, the screaming stopped, the release said. Officers tried looking for the man but were unable to immediately find him because there were reportedly multiple outbuildings behind the home.

Police then evacuated neighbors in the area to a safe location.

Officers attempted to call the man’s phone to de-escalate the situation but were not successful in doing so.

Multiple other departments assisted PRPD, including the Little Flock Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Highfill Police Department.

Officers used drones, defense shields, special response tactics, and crisis negotiations. After searching the area, officers found the man lying on the ground near a shed holding the gun to his head.

The negotiations team worked with the man for about 30 minutes before he surrendered. The team seized the gun and the man was taken to a nearby hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Neighbors who had to evacuate were able to return to their homes by 10:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

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