DECATUR — Three young men from Decatur were arrested early Saturday morning in connection to a battery incident against two police officers who were responding to a noise complaint at a home in Decatur.
Austin Rife, 20, of Decatur, and brothers Mario and Victor Urquidi, both 19 and of Decatur, were arrested shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday according to information released by Decatur's mayor, Bob Tharp.
According to the release, Decatur and Gentry police responded to a noise complaint at a home near Grant Springs Dr. and Grant Ave. in Decatur about 1:30 a.m. and found what appeared to be an underage drinking party which had been going on for some time.
When officers attempted to talk to the youths at the door, one of the officers was allegedly dragged inside the apartment and beaten with a wooden stick, according to Joe Savage, a police officer at the scene. The other officer was allegedly attacked outside the apartment by the same young men.
Police agencies from Benton County, Gentry, Gravette, Centerton and Decatur responded to the incident.
Police arrested Rife and the two Urquidi brothers in connection with the assault. Jail logs at the Benton county jail include pending charges for the three of battery in the second degree, a Class B felony; disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor; minor in possession, misdemeanor; obstructing governmental operations, misdemeanor; and resisting arrest, misdemeanor. No court dates or bond were yet set as of Saturday morning, and additional charges may be pending.
According to the release, approximately 20 youths were cited for underage drinking at the party.
The two officers had minor to no injuries, according to the information released by the mayor on Saturday morning.
Gentry officer Charles Strickland was taken to the hospital, treated and released, with bruises on his arm, according to information provided by Gentry police chief, Keith Smith.
The identity of the Decatur officer who was assaulted had not been released.