Police shoot man during arrest attempt

BENTONVILLE -- A man was shot and wounded by two Bethel Heights police officers after he hit one of them with his vehicle late Wednesday night, authorities said Thursday.

Police were attempting to apprehend the man as part of a prostitution sting, said Nathan Smith, Benton County's prosecutor.

Smith identified the wounded man as Justin Ryan Delacruz, 20, Smith said. Authorities didn't say how many shots were fired or where Delacruz was hit by gunfire.

An Arkansas State Police news release said Bethel Heights police were attempting to take custody of another man when an officer was hit by a vehicle driven by Delacruz.

Brenda McAllister, a spokesman for Bethel Heights police, said the shooting happened at the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Apple Blossom Avenue.

Delacruz showed up at the location around 11:30 p.m. and police attempted to arrest him. "He chose to run over a officer when he tried to get away," Smith said.

Delacruz was taken to a local hospital, but his wounds "are not believed to be life-threatening," according the release.

Delacruz will be arrested in connection with aggravated assault and second-degree battery, Smith said.

The injured officer was taken to a hospital and later was released, according to the release.

The Bethel Heights Police Department has asked Arkansas State Police to investigate the use of deadly force by the officers, according to the release. The investigation will be confined to the use of deadly force.

The State Police will turn its findings over to Smith, who will determine if the shooting was justified.

NW News on 09/16/2016

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