FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024
CONTACT
Aric Mitchell info@fortsmithpd.org 479-709-5000
COMMUNITY ALERT
Multiagency response at Mercy Hospital, one in custody, scene cleared
Fort Smith, AR - At approximately 1:30 PM and following a search of more than three hours, search teams from the Fort Smith Police Department and other local, state, and federal agencies were able to locate 34-year-old John West hiding within a small box in the corner of an educational classroom at Mercy Fort Smith. He was in possession of a water pistol that was painted black to look like a genuine firearm. Reportedly, Mr. West pointed the firearm at a security guard upon being confronted for being on the premises. He was also in possession of a physicians tablet and laptop. He is facing charges of aggravated assault, felony theft, and impairing the operation of a vital public facility. He is being transported to Sebastian County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond. We would like to express our gratitude to all of our law enforcement partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Patrol, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Barling Police, Central City Police, Lavaca Police, and the Fort Smith Public School District Police Department, as well as Emergency Medical Services personnel for their prompt response and assistance. Also, we would like to thank Mercy Fort Smith for quickly reporting the potential threat to our agency.
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