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Area manhunt ends; suspect goes to cops |
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 |
Jason Allen Collatt, 28, of Benton turned himself in at 1:15 a.m. today and is being held in the Saline County jail after eluding law enforcement officials for more than six hours Sunday.
Officers from the Benton and Bryant police departments, Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police worked to apprehend Collatt after he allegedly stole copper and shots were later fired.
Benton police Sgt. Kevin Russell said a Benton detective was contacted by a state trooper on Sunday with information concerning Collatt’s possible involvement in crimes in Saline County, including copper theft and shoplifting.
The trooper and detective went to speak with Collatt at 3014 Springhill Road in Bryant around 6:50 p.m. when a physical altercation reportedly occurred.
Authorities said Collatt, attempting to flee in a van, dragged the detective 15-20 yards before crashing the van and then fleeing on foot.
As the detective was being dragged, both he and the trooper opened fire on the vehicle, but Collatt was not hit, according to Russell.
“The detective was fearing for his life,” Russell said. “They fired upon the vehicle, but Collatt was not hit and he fled on foot.”
The detective, whose name is not yet being released, reportedly suffered only minor injuries. Officers from agencies in Saline County and state police joined the chase and used K-9 units and thermal imaging units to try to locate Collatt.
Russell said Collatt turned himself around 1:15 a.m. at the Benton Police Department and he had no reported injuries.
Collatt is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and felony fleeing, but officers said they expect more charges to be added in the next few days. Russell said that Collatt should appear before a Saline County Circuit Court judge in the next few days.
Collatt recently appeared in the Wednesday Courier in an article listing the 10 most wanted suspects in Saline County.
Collatt was wanted on felony charges of probation violation, possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, endangering the welfare of a minor and theft by receiving.
Collatt’s last known address is 3507 Coats Road in Benton. |
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