Couple charged for fleeing with infant from police

GRAVETTE - Police arrested Derrick Eugene Munholland, 26, and Chelsea Nichole Munholland, 21, both of Gravette, on charges of 3rd degree endangering the welfare of a minor, a Class D misdemeanor.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on Friday when police came to the Gravette residence where the two were staying to do a welfare check, according to police reports and an affidavit of probable cause. When they arrived, Derrick is alleged to have fl ed the residence and down a ravine with a 3-month old baby in his arms.

Police retrieved a crying baby and, after a struggle with Derrick, placed him under arrest as well, according to police reports.

Derrick was charged with endangering the welfare of the child, fleeing on foot and resisting arrest. Chelsea was charged with endangering the welfare of a child because she allegedly allowed Derrick to fl ee police with the child to prevent the child from being placed in Arkansas Department of Human Services custody.

Both Derrick and Chelsea were wanted on other warrants, as well, according to reports. Both were yet in Benton County Jail on Monday morning. Bond on Derrick was $2,500, according to the jail log website. Bond on Chelsea was $1,000, but she was also being held on a no-bond contempt of court charge, according to the jail website.

The jail website lists the endangerment charges as second degree.

News, Pages 4 on 08/21/2013