An Izard County man is facing multiple charges after he became aggressive with officers when they found him intoxicated near a church in Oxford.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Izard County Sheriff Office dispatched to the Cumberland Presbyterian and United Methodist Church in Oxford for a report of an intoxicated man trying to leave the area in a gray pickup truck. While en route, deputies were advised of a man reportedly lying in the ditch and then walking out into the roadway.
Upon arrival, deputies observed the gray pickup truck parked in a field just east of the church. When they approached the vehicle, the male suspect identified as 44-year-old Shannon David Edwards, was laying on his right side and partially under the passenger side of the truck. Deputies observed Edwards had slurred speech and was repeatedly noncompliant when given lawful orders. When they attempted to escort Edwards to a nearby patrol car, he demonstrated he was unable to balance himself.
While in the patrol car, Edwards began yelling at the complainant, screaming he was going to kill her. She stated she called the sheriff’s office because she was concerned for Edwards safety. Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrived on scene where they assumed the investigation and custody of Edwards. State police observed a strong odor of intoxicants on Edwards and he admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day. While en route to the Izard County Detention Center, Edwards became angry and started to kick the inside of the patrol car. He was yelling, cursing, and made numerous threatening statements threatening the life of the officer. Due to Edwards aggressive behavior, field sobriety tests were not administered.
Once inside the detention center, Edwards continued to refuse to take the chemical tests along with yelling and cursing at officers. During the booking process, Edwards was given a tray of food when he became irate and refused to comply with orders given. He allegedly began to show aggression and struck the wall with his fists. Edwards then took chewed up food out of his mouth and threw it on the floor and towards an officer.
Officers attempted to place Edwards in a vacant cell when he pulled away and ran a short distance towards the dispatch area. Edwards was able to be restrained on the ground where he was placed in hand-restraints and escorted to a cell without further incident.
Edwards has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer; two felony counts of terroristic threatening; a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated; a misdemeanor count of refusal to submit to a chemical test; one count of no motor vehicle liability insurance; along with a habitual offender enhancement. He is currently being held in the Izard County Detention Center. No bond has been set.
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