On 12/31/11, at approximately 10:47 PM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to 1126 English Oak Dr. in reference to a disturbance.  Upon their arrival it was determined that Yin Yan Schmidt had been taken from the residence at gunpoint by her ex-husband, Gerald Schmidt (W/M, 52 YOA). 

    While officers were searching for their whereabouts a call came into the Bryant Police Department that a female was asking for help near the Bishop Park area on Boone Road.  It was determined that the female was Ms. Schmidt, but upon their arrival neither subject was located after an extensive search by numerous agencies. 

    Early in the morning of 1/1/12, officers from the Benton Police Department located both subjects at the Econo Lodge (16732 I-30, Benton) and Gerald Schmidt was taken into custody without incident.  The Benton Police Department has charged Gerald Schmidt with Aggravated Residential Burglary, Kidnapping, and Stalking.  Mr. Schmidt is also facing an additional charge of Rape from the Bryant Police Department. 

    An incident similar to this took place with Gerald Schmidt on 10/30/11 where he kidnapped Ms. Schmidt and took her to Texas against her will.  Mr. Schmidt was arrested in Texas for that crime and extradited back to Arkansas.  He was currently out on a $50,000 sheriff’s bond.  

    This is an on-going investigation with detectives from both the Bryant and Benton Police Departments working together.  Additional charges are possible as facts in the case are revealed.  Anybody with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or leave a tip at 315-TIPS.