Kenyon arrested for murder

Submitted by Mena Police Department

On the afternoon of Monday, March 27, 2023, Larry Lee Kenyon of Mena, Arkansas, was arrested on a warrant for one count of murder in the first degree.

Mena Police Department would like to thank Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer and his deputies, as well as the 18th West Drug Task Force for their key assistance in the swift apprehension of Kenyon. Bond is currently set at $1,000,000.

Murder in the first degree is a Class Y felony, carrying a possible sentence of 10-40 years or life imprisonment in the Arkansas Department of Corrections if convicted.

On Feb. 24, 2023, at about 11:45 p.m., the Mena Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance at Rebecca Apartments. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with 39-year-old Christopher Brown. Brown was injured with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and EMS was notified.

The investigation led to a residence at 701 Dallas Avenue. During the investigation, 52-year-old Larry Kenyon was arrested on suspicion of battery in the first Degree.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

re-establish overnight camping at Albert Pike

night camping since 20 people tragically died in a 500-year-flood in the early morning hours of June 11, 2010. The incident was followed by a lawsuit brought by families of the victims. In 2020 the U.S. Forest Service conducted a public review and planning process to determine the future use of the park. In its final decision, the U.S. Forest Service stated it would not reopen the park for overnight camping due to the risk associated with possible future floods.

Westerman said he introduced the legislation to Congress last week after hearing from numerous constituents who expressed their hopes to see the park reopen for overnight camping.

“It was an incredibly tragic event, but in the last 12 years I’ve had lots of people reach out and say they want to reuse that site for overnight camping,” explained Westerman. “People were frustrated with the decision because there are safe options and plans out there for camping in this area.”

Westerman added that he understood, but ultimately rejected, the Forest Service’s appraisal. He said safe, overnight camping is possible within the park.

“The Forest Service decided to close it and only allow day use. And as the infrastructure fails, they’re not going to replace it,” he said. “That’s when it’s time for Congress to step in and reevaluate the decision and the process. [Allowing overnight camping at Albert Pike] is something that can be done and be done in a way that’s rational, safe and good for residents of the Fourth District and for everyone who grew up camping at this beautiful location.”

If passed by Congress and signed into law, the “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” would require the Forest Service to reopen any campsites outside of the 100year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment. In addition, the act would also require the development of at least 54 campsites within 2 years of the bill’s enactment. This would include at least eight campsites with water and electric capabilities. All of these would also be located outside of the 100-year-flood plain.

“We want to be rational with this, we don’t want to build these campsites along the river where the tragedy occurred, but rather build above the 100-year floodplain,” Westerman explained. “It’s something that can be done and I hope we can make it happen with this bill.”

The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

March 20, 2023

No reports.

March 21, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 76 E near Acorn in reference to a Physical Domestic Disturbance leading to the arrest of Danny Hunt, 56 of Mena on charges of Violation of a Protection Order, 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a Theft of Property.

March 22, 2023

Sterling Bowen, 24 was arrested on a charge of DWI.

March 23, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to an area on Polk 61 in reference to a side by side that had caught fire. Deputies responded to a report of a theft.

March 24, 2023

No reports.

March 25, 2023

No reports.

March 26, 2023

Laura Flores, 19 of Wickes was arrested on charges of DWI, Refus- al to Submit and Purchase or Possession of Intoxicating Liquor by a Minor.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Bryan Sturgis, 56 of Mena on a Parole Hold.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated Inmates with 19 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Mena Police Reports

March 19

A report of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was taken at a residence on Evans Circle.

March 20

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

Jesus Melendez, 28, was charged with Harassing Communications, and Communicating a False Alarm at a residence on North Polk Street.

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

A report of shoplifting was taken from Walmart.

A report of shoplifting was taken from Walmart.

March 21

Christopher James, 38, was served with a warrant at a residence on Gary Drive.

March 22

Robert Wallis, 41, was charged with Possession of Schedule 3 Controlled Substance, Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with warrants at EZ Mart.

March 23

Anthony Robertson, 32, was charged with Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Assault after a disturbance call to a residence on Maple Avenue.

A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of violation of a protection order was taken at a residence on Cole Avenue.

Trinity Hamm, 19, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Southerland Avenue.

March 24

A report of curfew violation was taken on Eve Street.

Marcus Shores, 50, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

March 25

Dakota Bullard, 23, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at McMillan Park.