Rogers Police Officer Shot
Last updated Friday, October 20, 2006 11:07 PM CDT in News
By Melissa Blakely
The Morning News
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ROGERS -- A bullet from the gun of a Benton County sheriff's deputy hit a Rogers police detective Friday during a struggle with a suspect wanted on drug charges, sources said.
The shot hit Detective Brian Culpepper in the leg, entering a major artery. Culpepper, who needed four units of blood, underwent surgery Friday night at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers, the sources said. He was in the intensive care unit late Friday.
Benton County Sheriff Keith Ferguson said the deputy whose gun fired the shot was doing OK. Ferguson said the officer involved has been given a couple of days off, but he declined to call it a leave. He also said his officers did a good job and may have helped saved the Rogers detective's life by administering first aid. One of the officers attempted to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to Culpepper's wound with a sweatshirt, Ferguson said.
Ferguson called it a "hazard of the job."
Local authorities have asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate the shooting, State Police spokesman Bill Sadler confirmed Friday.
They didn't take the SWAT team to the house at 703 Mimosa Place to serve a search warrant because only women and children were thought to be there, the sources said. Sources confirmed a related search warrant was served Friday with SWAT assistance at Town and Country Inn, 2102 S. Eighth St. in Rogers.
Just before 5 p.m., officers broke down the door and entered. A Benton County deputy had his weapon drawn, sources said. While police struggled with a suspect, a woman grabbed the deputy's arm and the gun fired, sources said. It is not known whether the woman pulled the trigger or her action caused the deputy to pull the trigger, they said.
Six Benton County deputies were on the scene at the time of the shooting, Ferguson said.
Police declined to release the names of those involved but they did arrest Jose Mora, 32, and transported him from the scene to the Benton County Jail where he will await a bond hearing. He was charged Friday night with two felonies, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture meth. Police also led a woman away from the house in handcuffs.
Witness Diego Garay, 10, was standing across the street and saw four to five officers bust down the door with something. Then heard one shot fired inside the home.
Police declined to release the officer's name involved in the shooting, but Rogers Mayor Steve Womack released the name on KURM radio while broadcasting commentary on the Rogers football game Friday night in Fort Smith.
A large dog continually barked in the back yard while police collected evidence and took photos after the shooting. A mother and her children stood against a car parked in the driveway of the light blue home. Neighbors gathered as close as they could without crossing the yellow crime scene tape, which blocked access to the home.
An oversized police hammer leaned against the tree in the small front yard.
Kim Souza, John Henley Jr. and Lori Harrison-Stone contributed to this report.
INFOTEXT
Fast Facts
Jose Mora was previously arrested in June 2000 in connection with third-degree battery, battery of a police officer, hindering apprehension, resisting arrest, interference with a police officer and disorderly conduct.
Source: Benton County Jail
Razorback Central
July 9th, 2009
Reader Comments (60 comment(s))
The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.
Not Surprised wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:51 PM:
" again I am not surprised by the fantastic comments made from the left field. "
JP wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:57 PM:
" Play hero??? Someone has to protect YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE...poor guy. Hope he is alright. "
Don Fricke wrote on Oct 20, 2006 9:34 PM:
" You people that want to put our Rogers Police Department down,ALL THE TIME!!, I just dont understand you. You should .move down to Springdale, and BLESS THERE HEARTS, they have more problems then we have in Rogers, but not for long, becuse its getting bigger by the minuete, not by the day. I have a few good buddies that work for Rogers PD, and have for many years, and they know that, Steve, our Police Leader, is doing everything that he can to help us out,ANYWAY that he, and the rest of our Law enforcement can!!. You would not be so, BAD MOUTH, to them if you needed there help,would you!!. Do YOU want to go serve a warrent, on someone, and I dont care where there from, and WONDER!!if you might come home to see your little Girl, or are you going to be able to take your little boy, to his first Cub Scout, meeting?, Think about it. NOW!! Do YOU!,want to walk up to that car that you can not see in there windows to ask them for there ID, or go serve the papers on the folks, that you dont know, if they are ARMED OR NOT, and THEY DONT WANT TO GO TO JAIL ANYMORE!!. Now you,( STOP AND THINK!!,),will I do this, And will I come HOME TONIGHT!!.
Dont talk about other folks, UNLESS you KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT!. I hope they print my opinion on the FRONT PAGE,Don. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 20, 2006 9:55 PM:
" Actually you have mistaken me for someone that cares about your pro-cop whinning. I could if I thought for a minute that they actually cared about me.
They take the glory, they can spill their guts to protect the rich and powerful. "
Don Fricke wrote on Oct 20, 2006 10:00 PM:
" This is to,Pig Sty. What you said is the talking of a COWARD!!,I use my name because im PROUD OF IT!!.
PS, are you some type of a WANNABE Terroist?, If so, you moved to the WRONG PLACE!! "
Springdale Citizen wrote on Oct 20, 2006 10:23 PM:
" I know this officer who was shot. He is a very good officer. It is very sad what has happened to him. My thoughts and prayers is with him. "
Springdale Citizen wrote on Oct 20, 2006 11:36 PM:
" I am suprised that the Rogers PD isn't putting out much information concerning this matter. The public has the right to know what has happened. It is never a good thing when government hides information from the citizens. "
Not Surprised wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:26 AM:
" or how about notifying the family first, I mean whole the goverment concerned for the individual. "
Leah & AMH1 Whelchel Retired wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:30 AM:
" My husband was for years a "PIG" too. Do you know what that stands for
Prestige, Intergery and Guts. I'd like to see you try to live for a month without any "pigs" and see how you would like it "
rogers citizen wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:13 AM:
" My sympathies to the officer if he had announced his presence.However,sometimes thay serve no-knock warrants which are basically cops kicking down a door,screaming at people in their own homes and shoving guns in their faces,which is a terrible thing to do,illegal in some jurisdictions and could easily be interpreted as a home invasion.I hope it wasn't the latter.And I hope he makes a full recovery. "
Moore wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:05 AM:
" I have lived in Northwest Arkansas for 13 years and have NEVER had a problem with any of the police. My best friend's husband is a Rogers Police officer and they are one of the finest families you could ever meet. Police Officers have taken an oath, to serve the people. We as citizens get to go to sleep at night, knowing that there is someone willing to give their live to protect us. For those of you who complain, what exactly are you doing for your community? "
get real wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:39 AM:
" To Pig sty, you can move out if you are not happy here or think you are being terrorized. The fact is they have chosen a job that puts them at great risk. Are they perfect? No, no one is.
It's only my opinion but most people who don't care for pigs as you call them are people who can't seem to obey the law. Then there are some who have been victims of a few bad officers. So what are you the criminal or the victim. If you are the criminal, then shut your mouth, no one really cares what you think. If you are the victim then it is ashame that you or anyone else would have to go through anything to make you feel that way about police officers. Either way, it is always sad to see an officer injured in the line of duty and to type something as bad as "squeel pig, squeel!" Makes me sick to my stomach. You or someone you love will need an officer someday and I hope you remember those words when you see that officer picking up the pieces, I'm sure it will only be then you learn to respect them. "
overall_X wrote on Oct 21, 2006 6:36 AM:
" Again, under Keith's leadership, the situation has been under estimated, as is the Gang threat. Where? were the paramedics that were trained to accompany the Entry Teams?, the Flash Bang?"You never have trouble if you are ready for it!"
Benton county must have thought, like GW,on the way to Bagdad! Bentonville and Rogers PD, "know their limations...." "
Supportthepolice wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:07 AM:
" I sit here at my computer amazed at the hate I hear in some of the comments written in. This officer was shot and injured in the "LINE OF DUTY". The hate is not the sentiment of those who obey the laws in NWA. We are a God Fearing Community who support our men and women who fight everyday to keep us safe. Bless the officer and his family as well as all the other men and women who carry a shield and put their lives on the line for our safety. They are all hero's. To the man who made the horrible comments, Bless you too..I pray for your heart to open up to support and forgiveness so that you too will see the truth and the right way of life. Your hate can only get you hurt and pain. I support the NWA group of officers and families who dedicate their lives to our safety. Thank you all for your hard work. "
Bear in AR wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:14 AM:
" I pray for the officer that got hurt, but this only goes to prove the old saying. "Guns don't kill, people do." From a pro-gun activist in AR. Guns can be safe and fun if handled in a resonsible way. "
Thankful Citizen wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:37 AM:
" My heart goes out to all the officers involved and those departments that support them. We as a community need to show our caring and support, not hatred. We need those officers to help rid our area of the ever increasing crime and violence. Our prays are with everyone involved. Being hateful to those people who risk their lives is not good for anyone in this community. It is high time we all take a stand against the Gang Activity, Drugs and Violence that have seeped into our wonderful communities. While our men and women fight for justice in the war overseas, we also have the men and women of NWA who put their lives on the line everyday to fight for our safety. Support is what they need, not some hateful comments posted by an unknown person hiding behind their computer keyboard. I have only one thing to say to PigSty. Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut and have people think your stupid than to open it up and remove all doubt. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 21, 2006 8:29 AM:
" Cops are just crimminals with badges and guns. Blindly enforcing laws to whom they pick and choose. They are nothing more than hired goons for the rich and powerful. These people abuse their position and laugh at the conditions and positions they put you in and through. Cops are part of the problem, not the solution.
They don't protect, they are a reactionary force that cannot stop any crime without it first being committed.
I have seen more officers driving drunk
than I have regular people.
Their proactive patrols are there only to harrass and eliminate the need for probable cause.
And let's not forget that they let illegals walk the streets instead of holding them for the crime they have committed and deportation.
This is because agribusiness wants them here and the cops are their lackies.
"
Glen wrote on Oct 21, 2006 8:37 AM:
" Imagine that! This tragedy is the result of another hispanice dealing in drugs. I moved away from Rogers a few years ago because of the hispanic take over. Rogers will be nothing but a cesspool in 5 years.I would not want to be a police officer and deal with these thugs everyday. "
Bentonville Citizen wrote on Oct 21, 2006 8:39 AM:
" Hey Pig Sty, have you ever stepped between a woman and her physically abusive husband, not because you knew her but because it was simply your job to protect her? Have you ever been assault by some one who was driving while intoxicated after you saw his vehicle strike a retaining wall five times? Have you ever assisted one of your buddies as they crossed a swollen steam (twice)to rescue an elderly couple who were about to be swept away by flood waters, people he had never met before? Cops certainly don't commit unselfish acts to help people they don't know for they great pay they get.
It sounds like you have an ax to grind with the police. Why don't you tell us about all of your unselfish acts to help another human being. I suspect it will be an extremely short story. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:11 AM:
" Here's one unselfish act. I don't hire illegals. I've saved people numerous times but I don't parade it and inflate my ego with it, nor do I abuse others for retirement pay. "
JP wrote on Oct 21, 2006 10:37 AM:
" I agree! I will also say something that until a few years ago I didn't know....the police can't hold an illegal alien unless they are given the powers to by the gov. This is only if the only charge against them is being illegal. They can't load them up and put them right on a bus back to Mexico. So then what happens? They call immigration and HOPE someone returns deports them. The problem here guys is that there is not enough immigration officers to go around...the police can only do what the gov. lets them do. The squeaky wheel gets the grease so in my opinion..that is why the illegal immigrants are still here. As far as pigsty goes...it is pretty evident that he has issues with law enforcement. Lots of people do and he is proving my point....do you know what the police would do if pitsty was saying this to their face....nothing. The have to endure this kind of treatment every day by the very people they would take a bullet for. "
Jerry Hawkins wrote on Oct 21, 2006 10:38 AM:
" No thanks being a heartless drone is not appealing to me.
And I will spout my keyboard off just as you do. You did not give me right to do this the founding fathers did.
I too am a veteran and find it appaling that one of your finest killed a boy on the highway this summer and is getting his just rewards. Retirement pay and no jail time. Talk about a double standard. But if someone kills a pig then you want their lives in return.
You also want drug dealers put away for life, but when the drug industry puts out a product that kills people they walk freely with no interfernce from those that protect and serve.
You let felonious illegals walk the street because you claim you can do nothing. But let a poor person not be able to pay a monthly fine to the court system and you pick them up for failure to comply and put them in jail to squeeze the money from them.
And I will walk up to any cop and mouth my peace. You stud muffins stand like anyother man and leave your weapons of war against civilians at home.
The founding fathers were in a minority and I am too, but that does not mean you control me or my words. "
puff the magic dragon wrote on Oct 21, 2006 11:39 AM:
" If police cannot hold illegals until deported why are other counties in other states doing it? "
Norwood wrote on Oct 21, 2006 11:52 AM:
" Most of the officers are good in this town. You cant blame the outcries with judges like Schwranz. I think he could make president with his record. "
Ed from Rogers wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:05 PM:
" Pig Sty, I just wish for a moment we didn't have any police officers, so people like you wouldn't have anyone to protect their First Amendment rights. You've saved people numerous times, eh?? I'll believe it when I see it. It sounds to me like you spend too much of your time disrespecting the men and women of law enforcement and the armed forces to go around saving people. Get a life. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:32 PM:
" Police do not protect your federal civil right to free speech. They try to destroy it. They try to invade your home(right to privacy)by knock and talk. They put men in ninja outfits or BDU cammo and sneak around your house or hide in trees. With heat sensors, night vision and parabolic mikes they spy on you. Don't tell how police protect your rights(Federal). They do nothing of the sort. The Federal government and founding fathers have taken care of that. I never said anything about the military.Those poor souls have to follow orders now from a bad commander in chief that waste lives being ignorant of the facts.
Police are local. Military are federal. Get it?
I don't have to show respect for those not deserving it. And I don't need them harrassing me daily. That is not protection. I don't need anyone to stand up for me I am perfectly capable.
I have and can deal with the crimminal element. I fear then less than the cops. "
Joey wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:02 PM:
" "Pig Sty, I dont know what Scifi movie you live in. I cant say I have ever had a problem with them just barging into my home. If you have that problem you must be a criminal and I cant say I have ever seen a Ninja cop.I think you need to see a Doctor.
"
pig sty wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:12 PM:
" I didn't write that they just barge in. Get your head out of the sand. "
Benton County LOL wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:12 PM:
" PART 1: LETS MAKE A DEAL! First off Culpepper, I wish you a full & speedy recovery. BUT: Our justice system has completely failed!! Benton County ~ are we proud to say we live here? It is not home anymore, but I guess it’s like this all over the country or is it? The last few weeks it’s been the Prosecutor, & law enforcement against the Coroners office. How much of what we read is true? example it was printed that a memo was sent to the prosecutor by the crime lab about a unnecessary autopsy, but a few days latter a correction showed up stating the was no such memo! I guess the BCSO is like the Three Stooges or Barney Fife, Quincy’s in the Coroners Office, @ least according to the BCSO, & the Prosecutor is the host of “LETS MAKE A DEAL” & let a killer walk in 10 yrs, & call it a conviction! So where is the progress? "
Benton County LOL wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:13 PM:
" PART 2: Maybe we should go back a 100 yrs or so, not as many people for one. Every one took care of there own, we didn’t “rehabilitate” violent criminals & turn them back loose. There were no technicalities that let people like OJ walk. Just a tall tree, or smoking barrel, back then. Now we have judges being arrested for tax fraud, lawyers for spouse abuse, prosecutors, & presidents for sex scandals, & law enforcement for DWI, sexual misconduct, & shootings. Have we progressed or not, at least the Coroners office isn’t shooting each other, and then stating it’s just a job hazard! This whole thing is sad to say the least, but our system no longer works, good cops put the bad behind bars for violent crimes but lawyers, & judges lets them out before the ink on the report is dry. Or the prosecutors makes a plea bargain to drop the charges if you will help them put a man in jail because he butchered a hog that he owns in he’s own back yard! "
Ballistics wrote on Oct 21, 2006 4:07 PM:
" No, the story is that while serving a warrant, one of the more statistically dangerous tasks of law enforcement, the officers involved did not take back-up because it was believed that no males were at the residence, according to Melissa Blakely's reporting. Someone apparently decided, probably with some knowledge of the suspect(s) involved, that if there was a problem it would not be physical. Most smart cops I know would rather fight a male than a female any day. Most females don't fight. But watch out for those who do. That's what seems lost in the translation. "
Think About It wrote on Oct 21, 2006 4:30 PM:
" Pig Sty,
Let me put it in simple terms so that you can understand it...
WE DO NOT CARE WHAT YOU THINK!!!!
An officer has been shot while protecting innocent citizens from drug dealers and users. Citizens like my children and husband. Citizens like the students where I work (that would mean that I work for a school, in case you could not figure it out).
My thoughts and prayers are not only for Officer Culpepper's family (which by the way are my friends) but also for you. You obviously have serious issues in your life and I hope that you can become right in God's eyes before his judgement day.
You are probably so ignorant and under educated that you feel like you have to be a "big man" with your comments. You need to keep them to yourself from this point on.
"
BilxDeal wrote on Oct 21, 2006 6:58 PM:
" I agree to serve two warrants, like the one in queston, for BCSO,
by myself, and for free; all they have to do is wait by the backdoor.... "
Joyce Polk wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:38 PM:
" To Pig sty, your sign in is appropiate. One can only imagine you live in one, hence the name. "
Fellow Officer wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:44 PM:
" To Pig Sty: You are the exact reason why I became a police officer. Officer Culpepper is a good officer and it is a shame that you would wish anyonethe pain and agony that he had to go through. The fellow officers that were there did a remarkable job in saving his life. And on the comment that you don't need to be protected, I believe that. You are probably one individual that we are looking for on one of many cases that we get every day. Anyway, I hope you sleep good at night and make sure you lock your doors for safety. "
Mother wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:23 PM:
" I am a mother of one of the officers involved and I know that my son is haunted by what occurred. My son is one of the best officers I have ever known and his father has been an officer for 36 years. It takes a COMPLETELY UNSELFISH individual to serve in that capacity.
I thank God for each of the officers that helped last evening and supported my son. God Bless every one of you!!!! "
JOKE wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:26 PM:
" Police Officer will go into a bank when it is being robbed, or they will serve warrants just like this one. WHAT A JOKE THEY GO IN WHEN THE GUYS LYING ON THE FLOOR DEAD. TO DO THE PAPER WORK "
pig sty wrote on Oct 21, 2006 10:01 PM:
" And soldiers are not public service workers. Killing in the name of whatever is not a public service. "
Not Surprised wrote on Oct 22, 2006 12:27 AM:
" Pig Sty I think your angry because the your poster boy got the chair for the Oklahoma City bombing. If you left "our" version of society why are you posting here, among the evil minded people. Go back to your white supremist friends. I wonder if your co-workers at where ever it is that you work know you feel this way. Wow "
True Blue wrote on Oct 22, 2006 4:18 AM:
" Pig Sty can say whatever because he has the right, however, pig sty will need the police to rescue him one day because someone else doesn't like his mouth, and that someone will most likely take care of business. I would like to meet pig sty and find out what happened during his childhood and help him get over being molested or whatever by a family member, and not to blame the police but the family member. I will pray for him and ask God to soften his heart. I truly care about pig sty. "
Hey Pig Sty!! wrote on Oct 22, 2006 7:22 PM:
" Does this look familar?????????????
convicted appellant, Jerry Hawkins, of delivery of a controlled substance, cocaine. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment in the Arkansas Department of Correction and fined $10,000. On appeal, he asserts that the trial court erred when it overruled his objection to the admission of State's exhibit two,crack cocaine, in that the State failed to establish a chain of custody by not showing with reasonable probability that the evidence had not been altered. We affirm.
"
pig sty wrote on Oct 22, 2006 11:06 PM:
" No, Never been to prison or convicted of any drug possession. No molestation. Only police abuse. Thank you nazi right wing wackos. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 23, 2006 8:56 AM:
" Sorry everyone, I just feel the need to write these things to make up for me EXTREME lack of manhood. "
Bear in AR wrote on Oct 23, 2006 9:10 AM:
" pig sty, you think the cops are bad here, you haven't even seen nazi till you've been in the NE part of this country. Here, for the most part, the cops are the good guys. Yes, I don't agree with the black outfits with the high top boots and the attitudes that some cops have, but we live in a world full of wackos. It's just accepting the lessor of two evils, just like our civic leaders. Again, I feel sorry for the officer that was shot, it should not have happened, it was total carlessness. "
New to Benton County opi wrote on Oct 23, 2006 3:20 PM:
" I am glad all involved are recovering and another drug house has been shut down. Glad everyone enjoys hours and days to second guess our protectors who have tenths of a second to make life and death decisions. I am glad people have the right to assume carelessness came into play. Common sense says carelessness would have been using a flashbang on a house with children. Poor planning may have gotten a child hurt. I am thankful for the Sheriff his office/deputies and the Chief and his department/officers and their dedication to our community. "
Hey Jerry!! wrote on Oct 23, 2006 4:39 PM:
" Well, it seems we don't always do our job correctly.......lucky you! "
Judgement Day wrote on Oct 24, 2006 10:04 AM:
" This town needs to open up a Drive-In theater for one day and play the movie CRASH! Make it free so everyone will come see it. MAYBE someone can take from it and learn a LITTLE something. "
Communist Dictator wrote on Oct 24, 2006 3:47 PM:
" We should all proof read our comments after we have written them. Then we can be confident our mindless banter can be clearly understood. "
pig sty wrote on Oct 25, 2006 7:38 AM:
" Public records, you people love a good wild goose chase. I know that your detective skills are as bad as the real cops. "
PUBLIC RECORDS wrote on Oct 26, 2006 5:44 PM:
" It is interesting the things one finds on the internet (good thing I'm not a cop, besides they probably have better resources, etc. than I do). P.S. I was not trying to offend, only find out what "abuse" has made you so angry. I would agree that there are all kinds in that profession, some that are there for the wrong reasons; it is the same for any job. If I were attacked by some minority, I can't blame the whole. When things go bad, in the end you can only blame human nature. "
PUBLIC RECORDS wrote on Oct 26, 2006 6:00 PM:
" Pig Sty mentioned that he had saved people in the past. He also mentioned that he was a veteran. It is possible that he saved his buddies and vice versa many times (war is hell). As far as police go, it is similar to being in the military. You can't blame all of them for the misdeeds of others. My father fought in Nam and was spat on and called baby-killer when he came back after 2 tours. Those people did not even know him, only assumed everyone did those things. "
firefighter wrote on Oct 30, 2006 6:59 PM:
" As the proud husband of a police officer, and a local firefighter myself, I have to disagree with pig sty's assessment of the men and women in uniform. As with any job there are individuals who are not the most upstanding, and they make it hard on the ones who are. In fact I know some who disgrace the very uniforms they wear with their lack of honor and integrity, and those people know who they are. But to judge all based on a few is wrong.
We go to work everyday knowing we may have to put our lives on the line for a perfect stranger. We don't stop to see if the person is worthy, or good or bad, we just do our duty, no questions aked. people such as pig sty can hate and despise and speak their mind and do nothing else. We don't have that luxury. No matter what we feel privately, we have a duty to act. Our families face the risk that we might not come home, and that sacrafice could be made for someone like pig sty. Someone who cares nothing for us. Pig sty are you willing to make that sacrifice. I think not. You haven't got what it takes. But God forbid you ever need it, we'll answer the call.
Until you make the sacrifice, don't judge all based on some. "
Not already registered?
Not Surprised wrote on Oct 20, 2006 6:32 PM: