Gravette man in jail, shot earlier in police standoff

BENTONVILLE — A Gravette man shot over the weekend was being held Tuesday in the Benton County jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.

Eulas Linwood Hughes was arrested in connection with seven counts of aggravated assault, four counts of terroristic threatening, two counts of carrying a weapon, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

He was booked into the jail at 6:59 p.m. Monday.

Arkansas State Police officials are investigating the reported officer-involved shooting after Hughes was wounded Saturday in Gravette.

Gravette police officers were sent to 405 Second Ave. S.E. in response to a suicidal-subject call, according to a probable-cause affidavit. The officers did not see anyone and decided to check at Hughes’ residence at 407 Second Ave. S.E. because of similar calls made there in the past, according to court documents.

Officer Chance Fink said he rounded a privacy fence and saw Hughes pointing a rifle at him, according to the affidavit. Fink took cover and told Hughes to put down his weapon, according to the affidavit.

Hughes refused and at least four times said he would shoot police officers if they moved any closer, according to the affidavit.

Gravette police Cpl. Scott Gillming reported that Hughes also pointed the gun at him, according to the affidavit.

Gravette Police Chief Chuck Skaggs arrived and was parking his vehicle near the driveway when Hughes pointed the gun at him, the affidavit says.

Sulphur Springs police officers and Benton County sheriff ’s deputies also arrived at the scene.

Fink heard thuds and was told that Hughes was trying to get into his house, according to the affidavit. Hughes’ wife and two children were in the residence and had not complied with orders to evacuate.

Fink tried to get closer, the affidavit says, but Hughes pointed the gun at him and Fink got back behind the fence. Hughes tried again to get into the house, and Fink heard four shots.

The law enforcement officers found Hughes on the ground, handcuffed him and checked his injuries before emergency medical technicians took over.

The affidavit did not detail Hughes’ injuries or who shot him.

Three law enforcement officers were placed on administrative leave after the shooting. Their names were not released.

Hughes’ arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 26 in Circuit Judge Brad Karren’s courtroom.