Pea Ridge man arrested in son's shooting

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANNETTE BEARD Pea Ridge police investigate a schooting at 1072 Richards St. on Tuesday. One man was arrested and another was taken to Northwest Medical Center with an injury.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANNETTE BEARD Pea Ridge police investigate a schooting at 1072 Richards St. on Tuesday. One man was arrested and another was taken to Northwest Medical Center with an injury.

PEA RIDGE -- Police arrested a man Tuesday 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 in Bentonville where he was 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 home 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 weren't on lockdown.

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, Benjamin 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 Benjamin Caston in his wheelchair to a police vehicle about 10 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Richards Street is in Standing Oaks subdivision just west of the primary and high schools.

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Benjamin Frank Caston

NW News on 04/24/2019

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