Tear Gas Brings Man Out

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team gears up to work a standoff Thursday on Hickory Lane in the Beaver Shores community near Rogers.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team gears up to work a standoff Thursday on Hickory Lane in the Beaver Shores community near Rogers.

— Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies used tear gas to end a standoff where a man believed to be armed with a gun refused to come out of a home Thursday morning.

Maj. Shawn Hollaway with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called about 7:30 a.m. to the scene in the Beaver Shores area.

Homeowner Rory Anderson called police concerning a friend who was staying with him at 16119 Hickory Drive, Hollaway said.

Dennis Melchert, 50, had been drinking the past few days, and Anderson was concerned for his own safety, Hollaway said. Melchert made references to threats, and Anderson fled the residence and called authorities, Hollaway said.

Anderson told authorities Melchert might have a gun.

Maj. Rob Holly said a Swat team negotiator attempted to talk with Melchert, who was in the house but not responding to authorities.

Melchert came outside onto the home’s porch and surrendered after tear gas was sent into the home, Hollaway said.

“He never threatened any deputies,” Hollaway said.

Melchert was treated at the scene for scratches on his head and also was cleaned of tear gas fumes before he was taken to the Benton County Jail.

Sheriff’s Office Capt. Brandon Rogers said deputies recovered a semiautomatic handgun and a shotgun from the home.

Melchert was arrested in connection with aggravated assault and terroristic threatening. He was being held Thursday in the county jail with no bond set.

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