Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bethel Heights man placed on probation, given 117 days in jail
BENTONVILLE — A Bethel Heights man received 117 days in jail time and probation for hitting a police officer with his car.
Justin Delacruz, 21, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and patronizing a prostitute.
Delacruz, 20, went to a house in Bethel Heights on Sept. 14, 2016, where he believed he would meet a prostitute, but it was a sting operation by Bethel Heights police, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Officers Nick Jones and Juan Hernandez came out of the home and told Delacruz he was under arrest. Delacruz put his car in reverse to flee. He drove toward Jones, who fired one shot into the vehicle and hit Delacruz, according to court documents.
Delacruz’s car struck Jones, who rolled over the top of the vehicle and fired two more shots, hitting Delacruz another time, according to court documents.
Hernandez fired three shots, hitting Delacruz once, according to court documents.
Nathan Smith, Benton County prosecutor, found the officers were justified in shooting Delacruz.
Delacruz was placed on six years of state supervised probation with Act 346, which means his record may be expunged if he successfully completes probation. He also must pay $1,920 in court costs.