By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
It was a busy holiday weekend for Troop D of the Arkansas State Police, but one without any fatalities.
"That was pretty good, especially with all the construction going on in Crittenden County," said Sergeant Jackie Clark of Troop D.
Troop D takes in the counties of Crittenden, Phillips, Lee, St. Francis, Cross, Woodruff, Monroe and Prairie. The holiday weekend officially began one minute past midnight on Friday, and continued until midnight Tuesday.
During that time, Troop D officers investigated 22 accidents, none of them fatal. Fourteen of the accidents were either on Interstate 40 or Interstate 55, with only eight on secondary highways.
For the weekend, Clark reported there were 162 speeding arrests. Fifteen were arrested for DWI. Thirty-nine were arrested for seat belt violations, while four citations were given for child restraint violations.
There were 34 other arrests for hazardous violations, including things like driving left of center and making improper turns.
There were 75 non-hazardous arrests. These could be for violations such as no insurance, no tags and driving without a license.
Twenty three criminal arrests were made, on charges such as drugs or drinking on the highway.
Not everyone who was contacted by troopers were arrested. There were 66 instances of motorists being assisted by troopers.
There were also numerous warnings given out. Clark said 142 speeding warnings were given out, along with 28 seat belt warnings.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
One suspect has been charged in connection with the shooting of two men Saturday night outside a club at Hicks Station.
Owen "Nukai" Watson, 28, of Widener, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree battery following an altercation which led to the shooting of James M. Harris, 39, of Parkin and J.W. Washington Jr., 37, of Madison.
According to a St Francis County Sheriff's Department report, Washington told deputies he was outside the club when Watson started arguing with him. According to the report, Harris broke up the argument and he and Watson left the club.
Deputies reported the two men, accompanied by two other subjects, returned to the club later. According to Harris' statement to police, he was inside the club shooting pool when a second argument erupted between Watson and Washington outside the club. Police reported shots were fired, and as Harris exited the club, he was struck in the upper right arm. Washington was hit in the leg. Both men were taken to local hospitals where they were treated and released.
According to St. Francis County Chief Investigator Glen Ramsey, further charges against Watson may be pending.
St. Francis County government received $133,533.54 in sales tax during November, according to figures from the Arkansas Municipal League.
In addition, towns in the county received the following: Hughes, $26,465,72; Forrest City, $209,429.36; Wheatley, $5,273.30; Palestine, $10,504.08; Madison, $13,991.08; Caldwell, $6,591.62; Colt, $5,216.60.
In addition, cities with their own sales taxes received the following: Forrest City, $146,355.92; Hughes, $10,130.24; Madison, $1,983.20; Palestine, $5,631.22; Wheatley, $4,848.48.