Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens said charges have been filed in circuit court against two men, both previously convicted felons, for being in possession of a firearm. In fact, the sheriff’s department noted that a witness saw both men fire handguns from inside their vehicle.
Court records say law enforcement officers were called to Punch Lane on April 22 in reference to two men in a car shooting handguns. The suspects were identified Andrew Nolan Booth, 24, of Batesville, and 26-year-old Ernest Booker III, 26, of Jacksonport. The two men, driving a vehicle described by the witness, were found in west Batesville and pulled over.
During the investigation by Narcotics Officer Johnny Byler and Stephens, a search was made of the vehicle. Inside, two handguns were found: a Hi Point semi-automatic .380 handgun and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver, according to the report. Also found were multiple bullets and a box of Winchester .380 caliber bullets, which was missing 10 bullets. The court document said six bullet casings were found in the roadway in front of a residence on Punch Street.
Each man is charged with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The court record said both men, since each has been previously convicted of 4 more felonies, are also being charged as habitual offenders.
Each man has been placed on a $5,000 bond. Both remain in jail.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
