On 7/29/10, at approximately 11:07 PM, officers with the Benton Police Department apprehended four individuals on numerous felony and misdemeanor charges. 

    Ofc. Bobby Shell was on patrol when he noticed a vehicle and lights in the New Rosemont Cemetery on Military Road.  Ofc. Shell went to investigate the vehicle and made contact with an individual, later identified as Michael Abshure (30 yoa) of Kirby.  After speaking with Abshure briefly, Abshure then suddenly ran away in the direction of McDonald’s on Military Road. 

    While running from officers, Mr. Abshure threw a .380 caliber pistol and a backpack.  Officers caught up Mr. Abshure in the parking lot of McDonald’s where he was taken into custody.  Abshure was found to be in possession of numerous sets of car keys and methamphetamine.

    Three other individuals were located in the area of the cemetery and subsequently arrested as well.  These individuals are Deborah Abbott (26 yoa) of Little Rock, Lora McReynolds (26 yoa) of Hensley, and Kyle Hughes (24 yoa) of Mabelvale.  It was determined during the investigation that the four individuals were attempting to steal a vehicle from Michael Suggs Auto Sales, which is located directly in front of New Rosemont Cemetery.   A set of bolt cutters were also found in the vehicle the suspects were using. 

    Mr. Abshure was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Fleeing on Foot (Misd.) Refusal to Submit to Arrest (Misd.), Obstructing a Governmental Operation (Misd.), Felon if Possession of Firearm (Felony), Simultaneous Possession of a Gun and Drugs (Felony), Criminal Trespassing (Misd.), and Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft of Motor Vehicle (Felony).  Abshure will also face an enhancement on the Possession of Controlled Substance charge due to being within 1000’ of a church. 

    Mr. Hughes was charged with Criminal Trespassing (Misd.) and Obstructing a Governmental Operation (Misd.).  Ms. McReynolds was charged with Criminal Trespassing (Misd.), Driving on Suspended Drivers License (Misd.), and No Proof of Liability Insurance (Misd.).  Ms. Abbott was charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Criminal Trespassing (Misd.). 

    All four were transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing.  Detectives with the Benton Police Department are continuing the investigation and there will possibly be more charges and arrests to follow.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or 315-TIPS.