Police Diffuse Potentially Dangerous Incident

Jeremiah Jennie Johnson, age 19, of Pine Bluff was arrested
Friday.

Officers of the Warren Police Department were able to diffuse a potentially dangerous incident Friday afternoon, November 27th on the parking lot of the Arkansas Superior Federal Credit Union located on South Martin Street. The incident occurred around 4:20 P.M.   The Credit Union was closed at the time.

The events that lead to the encounter between police and a black male subject began with a call to the police from New Beginnings treatment facility on York Street.  Personnel at New Beginnings reported an individual, who was a resident of the facility by court order had walked away.  Warren police immediately began searching for the person.

Hose nozzle the accused was wielding

Police were then notified that a black male was on the Credit Union property, acting unruly and doing damage to a vehicle that belonged to the Credit Union as well as damage to the ATM machine.  Interim Chief Shaun Hildreth was near by and responded quickly. The Chief was shortly joined by Sgt. Thomas Miller.  As the two policemen prepared to approach the man, the suspect charged the officers brandishing  what appeared to be a firearm.  The individual was yelling, "Kill me." Chief Hildreth, who was still in his car,  began backing up the car to remove himself from the potential line of fire.  Sgt. Miller took cover behind his police vehicle.  He drew his firearm and ordered the suspect to stop and drop his weapon.  The suspect complied,  and Sgt. Miller apprehended him.  A private citizen assisted the officers as they took the suspect into custody.

The suspect was arrested and handcuffed without further incident.  No shots were fired, and no one was injured.  The weapon turned out to be a silver water hose nozzle.  The suspect did not have a gun.  However, he held the nozzle in his hands in a manner that made it appear to be a handgun from a distance.  Fortunately both officers kept their cool and were able to secure control of the suspect.

ATM damaged by suspect

To policemen at the scene, it appeared the suspect was attempting suicide by baiting the police to shoot.  Chief Hildreth and Sgt. Miller both used caution in an effort to protect themselves and any person who might have been close by.  Both officers stated they were thankful to be unharmed and to have been able to gain control of the suspect without harming him. Their first priority was to make sure no passersby were in danger.