Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Brawl results in two arrests

What was slated as a car show on the Nevada County Fairgrounds turned into an altercation that resulted in an ongoing investigation and two arrests.

Randy Bell, 20, 313 Carrie St., Gurdon, was charged with battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest with injury. Broderick Cooper, 28, 406 Jones St., Gurdon, was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm inside the city limits.

According to a statement issued by the Prescott Police Department, PPD Officers Jami Yarbrough and K9 Officer John Pettit were patrolling the area when they saw a fight in progress. Yarbrough and Pettit reportedly entered the fight in an effort to break it up.

According to Prescott Police Chief Brian Russell, Yarbrough was hit in the face and chin while attempting to arrest Bell. Russell said Yarbroughs injuries were minor and that she has returned to work.

Russell said the officers reported several gunshots during the altercation and said there are bullet holes in the Potlatch Building at the fairgrounds.

According to Russell, one gun was recovered at the scene. He said there were likely additional weapons, but officers were unable to recover any other firearms.

Early reports from the scene indicated that there was a shooting victim, but Russell said officers have been unable to verify that report.

We cant come up with a victim, Russell said. We cant come up with any witnesses.

Generally, when youre shot you come forward.

Russell said there have been no reports of gunshot victims from area hospitals or physicians

Though theres no official statement on what prompted the fight, Russell said there was evidence of alcohol consumption at the event. He said there were many empty containers on the grounds. Russell said that providing alcohol is illegal, but no arrests were made related to the alcohol.

Officers from the city, Nevada County Sheriffs Office and Arkansas State Police responded, according to Russell.