Officer Arrested After Family Altercation
Man Reportedly Fires Shotgun In House
Last updated Monday, June 22, 2009
A Lowell police officer is on administrative leave after being arrested early Monday.
Walter Reyna, 28, of Rogers was arrested in connection with a misdemeanor charge of second-degree assault on a family or household member.
Reyna also was charged with discharging a firearm in city limits, a city ordinance, said Angel Murphy-Pearce, public information officer for the Rogers Police Department.
Reyna was being held on Monday in the Benton County Jail in lieu of a $1,000 bond.
Reyna was involved in an altercation with a family member or members, although police haven’t determined the extent of the altercation, according to Murphy-Pearce. However, she said Reyna’s mother-in-law was involved.
Reyna’s wife and mother-in-law were outside when they heard what sounded like a gunshot. Family members contacted police after they heard the gunshot, Murphy-Pearce said.
A cabinet and some toys were damaged, Murphy-Pearce said. Police recovered the shotgun and a spent shell from inside the house.
Reyna did not threaten anyone with the weapon, Murphy-Pearce said.
It appeared Reyna had been drinking, Murphy-Pearce said. Reyna’s speech was affected and he needed help walking, she added.
Reyna has worked at the Lowell Police Department since February 2004.
“He’s been a good officer,” said Lowell Chief Joe Landers.
If Reyna is convicted of assault on a family or household member, he will lose the right to carry a firearm, which means he will no longer be employable as a police officer, Landers said.
Reyna worked as an officer for Rogers from Jan. 23, 2001, until Jan. 31, 2003.
Murphy-Pearce said it was not known if Reyna resigned or was fired from the Rogers department but he is not eligible for rehire. Lucky for the citizens of Lowell & other cities.
