Former law enforcement officer arrested on felony sexual assault charge
New information reveals Michael Harris has been employed by several law enforcement agencies in Northwest Arkansas from 1995-2019.
Michael Shane Harris of Pea Ridge was arrested Wednesday night by West Fork police and later booked into the Benton County Jail.
According to Benton County warrant records, a warrant for Harris' arrest was made on Friday, Sept. 6th.
On Wednesday, Sept. 11th, West Fork police received a welfare check for someone at a local cemetery according to West Fork Public Information Officer, Tyler Underwood.
Underwood says the call came in around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers arrived at the cemetery, later identified as Michael Harris, got in his car and drove off. Police chased him a short distance before stopping him.
Underwood said Harris wouldn't get out of his car and he was armed which led to a short standoff with police.
No shots were fired during that standoff and officers were able to take him into custody.
Harris was immediately taken to the Benton County Jail due to an active warrant.
Harris was booked in the Benton County Jail just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on a felony charge of sexual assault in the second degree.
40/29 Obtained the employment history from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
- Benton County Sheriff's Office: 1995-1996
- Little Flock Police Department: 1996-1998
- Decatur Police Department: 1999-2000
- Rogers Police Department: 2000-2005
- Washington County Sheriff's Office: 2005-2006
- Bethel Heights Police Department: 2007-2010
- Lowell Police Department: 2010
- Highfill Police Department: 2012-2013
- Carroll County Sheriff's Office: 2017-2019
Harris left the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in January 2019.
It is unknown at this time where he is currently employed.
Harris is scheduled to appear in court on October 21, 2019.