Retired officer accused of hitting man with gun

BENTONVILLE — Gravette police arrested a retired Bentonville police officer Sept. 13 in connection with striking a man on the face with a gun.

Mike Calnan was released on citation after his arrest in connection with aggravated assault and terroristic threatening. Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges against Calnan.

Calnan retired two years ago from the Bentonville Police Department, but continued to work for the department as an administration technician. He resigned after he was placed on administrative leave, said Gene Page, a spokesman for Bentonville police.

The case stems from an incident between Calnan and Jimmy Don Engleman on July 28 at the Hiwasse Store, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Engleman told police he was going to the restroom when Calnan hit him on the face with a pistol, according to the affidavit. Video footage from the business shows Calnan striking Engleman with his right hand and then leaving the area with a pistol in his right hand, according to the affidavit.

Police also interviewed several witnesses, including a server who told police she saw Calnan holding a gun in Engleman’s face, according to the affidavit.

Calnan told police he felt threatened and intimidated, according to the affidavit. He told police he was once in a relationship with Engleman’s ex-wife, and, during that time, Engleman threatened him and filed a complaint against him with the department, according to the affidavit.

Calnan’s arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. Oct 22 in Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren’s court. He was ordered not to have any contact with Engleman.

Calnan