PEA RIDGE — Police arrested a man today in connection with his son’s shooting
Benjamin Franklin Caston Jr., 59, was arrested in connection with first-degree domestic battering and aggravated assault against a family or household member, according to Lt. Michael Lisenbee, public information officer for Pea Ridge Police. Both are felonies.
His son, Evan Caston, 28, was taken to Northwest Medical Center where he is being held for 72 hours to watch for infection, according to Lisenbee, who said the injury was not life threatening.
The shooting happened about 9 a.m. at the elder Caston’s residence at 1072 Richards St.
There was no threat to the nearby schools, according to Pea Ridge Police.
School officials released an emergency message after a television social media post stated the incident happened “near the Pea Ridge Primary School.” School District Superintendent Rick Neal said there was no threat to the schools, students or staff. He said the schools were not on lock down.
Lisenbee said the younger Caston “became violent toward his father” and refused to leave after being told to do so.
“He pointed a .38 revolver pistol at his son, who was on the couch,” Lisenbee said After Evan Caston threatened his father again, Ben Caston fired the gun.
Lisenbee said the investigation is ongoing and police are seeking a warrant for additional charges.
Neighbors stood on their doorsteps watching as police wheeled Caston in his wheelchair to a police vehicle about 10 a.m. this morning.
Richards Street is in Standing Oaks subdivision just west of the primary and high schools.
NW News on 04/24/2019