PEA RIDGE, Ark. — An Arkansas police officer in the town of Pea Ridge was killed shortly after 12:00 p.m. Saturday when a vehicle he approached on foot ran him over and dragged him, according to authorities.
Town residents planned to spend the weekend celebrating “Freedom Fest” with a parade and fireworks, but that changed after Officer Kevin Apple lost his life, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
“Our department is in shock right now. We’re a home town. Everyone in our Police Department are family,” said Pea Ridge Police Lt. Michael Lisenbee, public information officer.
Officer Apple, a 23-year law enforcement veteran, and his partner Officer Brian Stamps received a call about 11:30 a.m. Saturday to be on the lookout for an older model blue Jeep fleeing from police in Rogers, Arkansas. It was reportedly connected to a property crime.
Apple and Stamps spotted the Jeep at a local convenience store and gas station about 12:09 p.m., according to Lisenbee. The officers placed their respective police units on either end of the Jeep, which was stopped at the gas pumps.
When the officers approached the vehicle to speak to the occupants, the Jeep rammed one of the patrol cars, ran over Apple and dragged him in their haste to get away, according to the lieutenant.
Stamps opened fire on the vehicle as it fled the scene.
The Jeep was pursued by officers from multiple agencies, said Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway. After a period of time, the suspects were caught in Bella Vista, which is about 100 miles north on the border with Missouri. They were identified as Shawna Rhae Cash, 22, and Elijah Anadoloza Sr., 18. It’s unclear who was driving at the time Apple was killed.
Both individuals were charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder and booked into the Benton County Jail hours after they fled the White Oaks convenience store, leaving the officer dead, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Chief Lynn Hahn of the Pea Ridge Police Department said the Benton County Sheriff’s Office would be handling the investigation.
“He (Officer Apple) certainly has honored his community by sacrificing his own life in their service,” Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith said during an afternoon news conference. “We want to honor him.”
Officer Kevin Dale Apple with Pea Ridge Police Department is confirmed dead. He served in Arkansas law-enforcement for 23 years and with Pea Ridge Police for three years.
He was run over by two suspects. Stay with 5News for the latest. | @5NEWS pic.twitter.com/ldZOIesP18
— Micah Wilson (#JustAKidFromTheCreek) (@micahrwilson) June 26, 2021
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson ordered flags in the state to be flown at half-staff Saturday, Fox News reported.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Pea Ridge police officer Kevin Apple,” the governor tweeted. “My prayers are with Officer Apple’s family and the entire Pea Ridge community during this time. I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in tribute to Officer Apple.”
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Pea Ridge police officer Kevin Apple. My prayers are with Officer Apple’s family and the entire Pea Ridge community during this time. I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in tribute to Officer Apple.
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) June 26, 2021
“I’m praying for Officer Kevin Apple’s family and friends during this terrible tragedy,” tweeted U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). “Our police officers risk their lives each day to protect us from violent crimes, and we must continue to support their efforts.”
I’m praying for Officer Kevin Apple’s family and friends during this terrible tragedy. Our police officers risk their lives each day to protect us from violent crimes, and we must continue to support their efforts.https://t.co/mDlVPLH8yY
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 27, 2021
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge offered condolences as the officer’s family grieves such a tremendous loss.
My heart aches as today marks the end of Officer Kevin Apple’s watch. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his community from harm. I send my deepest condolences & prayers to Officer Apple’s family, friends & his brothers & sisters in blue. pic.twitter.com/dlL13Jfg4c
— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) June 27, 2021
Cash has a criminal history that includes possession of narcotics, burglary, and property crimes, according to the Gazette. Anadoloza’s potential criminal history wasn’t reported.
A candlelight vigil for Apple was held Saturday night in the city park.
The city’s “Freedom Fest” and summer parade were canceled.
“Our officers don’t need to be handling the festival right now,” said Edwin Brewer, owner of USA Fireworks and one of the organizers of the festival. “We’re canceling the festival in respect for them.”
