A 23-year police officer was drug and killed by a suspect wanted in another jurisdiction. Officer Kevin Apple was pronounced dead on the scene and tributes came pouring in from everywhere. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) ordered flags to at half-staff in honor of Apple’s memory. Pea Ridge is a small town where everyone knows everyone. So, the entire community is mourning his loss.
The Pea Ridge police got a notice from the Rogers police to be on the lookout for a Jeep with two people inside. Officer Apple and Officer Stamps pulled up to the jeep from both sides. The driver of the Jeep rammed one of the police cars and he hooked Officer Apple and drug him to his death. 22-year-old Shawna Rhae Cash and 18-year-old Elijah Andaloza were arrested by authorities in Bella Vista, about 9 miles from Pea Ridge.
Police did not say who was driving the car, but both have extensive rap sheets including drugs, assault, and burglary, and other charges. They will now be standing trial for capital murder or attempted capital murder.
Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith said Officer Apple “has honored his community by sacrificing his own life in their service. We want to honor him.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge sent “deepest condolences and prayers to Officer Apple’s family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in blue,” according to the New York Daily News.
“He will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his community from harm,” Rutledge said. “He has left a lasting impression on law enforcement statewide and this is a devastating loss for the local community.”
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) ordered flags to at half-staff in honor of Apple’s memory.
“My prayers are with Officer Apple’s family and the entire Pea Ridge community during this time,” Hutchinson said in a statement.
The two will be facing additional charges that will be brought at a future date and will include fleeing from the police. Rogers may very well decide not to charge the two on whatever they did there because the two are likely facing life in prison. Whichever one was not driving is apt to flip on the driver to get a reduced sentence.