PEA RIDGE, Ark. — An Arkansas officer is dead and two people are facing capital murder charges after a Saturday confrontation turned deadly.
Officers Kevin Apple and Brian Stamps with the Pea Ridge Police Department attempted to stop a car that was being pursued by the Rogers Police Department at a White Oak gas station just after noon, KNWA reported.
Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple was transported from Bentonville to the state crime lab in Little Rock. Local law enforcement agencies from around the state showed their support, lining the road for the man who gave his life yesterday in the line of duty. @CityofPeaRidge pic.twitter.com/HLsOGkFHHE
— Benton County AR (@BentonCoAR) June 27, 2021
Apple, a 23-year law enforcement veteran who had served three years with the Pea Ridge department, was struck and dragged by the fleeing older model blue Jeep and later pronounced dead on the scene, the TV station reported.
“Our department is in shock right now. We’re a hometown. Everyone in our police department [is] family,” Pea Ridge Police Lt. Michael Lisenbee, the department’s public information officer, told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Our entire NLRPD family would like to extend our thoughts & prayers to the family of Officer Kevin Apple of the Pea Ridge, AR Police Department. Officer Apple was killed in the line of duty today. Pls keep his fellow officers, friends & the Pea Ridge community in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/uZeANFd9O5
— North Little Rock PD (@NLRPD) June 27, 2021
According to the newspaper, Apple and Stamps spotted the vehicle parked at a gump at the gas station, parked on either end of the Jeep and attempted to make contact with the occupants.
Lisenbee confirmed that an altercation ensued, the Jeep rammed the Pea Ridge police vehicles, drove over Apple and fled, the Democrat-Gazette reported.
Police also said Apple fired his weapon before he was struck by the vehicle, and Stamps fired at the Jeep as it sped away, KNWA reported.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Pea Ridge police officer Kevin Apple. My prayers are with Officer Apple’s family and the entire Pea Ridge community during this time. I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in tribute to Officer Apple.
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) June 26, 2021
After a brief chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, Shawna Rhae Cash, 22, of Pine Bluff and Elijah Anadoloza Sr., 18, of Bella Vista were arrested and are expected to be charged with capital murder, along with a host of other charges, the Democrat-Gazette reported.
Both suspects are being held without bond, and Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith confirmed to KNWA that Cash will also be charged with reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and improper use of registration, with other charges against both suspects possible.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Kevin Apple’s family and the entire Pea Ridge community. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/jalrdONlSm
— Little Rock Police (@LRpolice) June 27, 2021
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