Three Decatur men arrested in connection with assaulting police officers

Mario Urquidi
Mario Urquidi

DECATUR -- Three men were arrested early Saturday morning in connection with a battery incident against two police officers who were responding to a noise complaint at a home in Decatur.

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Victor Urquidi

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Austin Rife

Austin Rife, 20, of Decatur, and brothers Mario and Victor Urquidi, both 19 and of Decatur, were arrested shortly after 1:30 a.m., according to information released by Bob Tharp, Decatur's mayor.

Police arrested Rife and the two Urquidi brothers in connection with the assault.

Jail logs at the Benton County Jail include pending charges for the three of battery in the second degree, a Class B felony; disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor; minor in possession, misdemeanor; obstructing governmental operations, misdemeanor; and resisting arrest, misdemeanor.

No court dates or bond were yet set as of Saturday, and additional charges may be pending.

According to a news release, Decatur and Gentry police responded to a noise complaint at a home near Grant Springs Drive and Grant Avenue in Decatur about 1:30 a.m. and found what appeared to be an underage drinking party that had been going on for some time.

When officers attempted to talk to the youth at the door, one of the officers was reportedly dragged inside the apartment and beaten with a wooden stick, according to Joe Savage, a police officer at the scene. The other officer was allegedly attacked outside the apartment by the same youths.

Police agencies from Benton County, Gentry, Gravette, Centerton and Decatur responded to the incident.

According to the release, 20 youths were cited for underage drinking at the party.

One officer had minor injuries, according to the information released by the mayor Saturday morning.

Gentry officer Charles Strickland was taken to the hospital, treated and released, with bruises on his arm, according to information provided by Keith Smith, Gentry police chief.

The identity of the Decatur officer who was assaulted had not been released.

NW News on 06/26/2016

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