Sheriff’s Office Involved In Shooting

BENTONVILLE — Deputies shot a man early Thursday morning after they were called to a domestic disturbance, said Keshia Guyll, spokeswoman for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, 24, was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He had wounds to his chest and arm. His name and condition weren’t released.

The shooting occurred at 20329 Canary Road, in the Rocky Branch area.

Deputies went to the home about 1 a.m. after a woman called 911 for help before the call was disconnected.

Deputies found the woman in the front yard and learned there were two children in the home with an armed man, who was identified as the estranged husband of the woman.

The Sheriff’s Office Swat team went to the scene, Guyll said.

The Rogers Fire Department was dispatched at 3:26 a.m. and arrived at 3:47 a.m., according to fire records.

Shots were fired from the home causing deputies to take cover, according to a release. The two children came out of the home a short time later and they were safely escorted by deputies to another location.

A short confrontation between deputies and the man ensued, during which the man was shot. Sheriff’s Office officials have not released the names of those involved in the shooting. The Arkansas State Police and detectives with the Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Those from the Sheriff’s Office involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, Guyll said.

The man was treated at the scene and he later was taken by helicopter to the hospital. The woman was taken to a hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening.

The most recent shooting involving a Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputy was Oct. 19, 2007.

Felipe Esparza was shot by Deputy Michael Andrews after a pursuit ended on Blue Hill Road near Monte Ne. Andrews said he fired because he believed Esparza was using his truck to injure deputies, according to court documents.

Esparza was shot after he rammed two patrol cars, including Andrews’ vehicle. Deputy Sean Gladden was in the other patrol car that had blocked the pickup Esparza was driving.

Esparza said he was fleeing from deputies because he knew the truck he was in was stolen, according to court documents.

Esparza later was sentenced to three years in prison.

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