PEA RIDGE — What was to have been a pleasant walk around the lake turned into a chilling experience for one lady and her children.

The lady had parked near the Ventris Road boat ramp off Fox Hollow Road and began walking near the lake shore with her children. She saw a parked van, she told Benton County Sheriff’s deputies, but thought someone was fishing until she saw blood inside the windshield. She quickly took her children away and called 911.

Medical responders from Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire/EMS Department responded, confirmed that a man inside the van was dead and waited for deputies to arrive.

Dennis Craft, 55, of Rogers, was found dead in a van parked at the end of the Ventris boat ramp.

Deputies notified the coroner.

According to sheriff’s officials, a rifle was found inside the van.

News, Pages 1 on 03/09/2011