Boys arrested for shooting

Three youths were arrested and a horse killed Friday evening in the Little Flock area of West Brush Creek.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Little Flock Police were dispatched to a “shots fired” call at a residence on West Brush Creek. A Little Flock officer had been in the area on a similar callearlier in the evening, but did not find anything.

Shortly before 10 p.m., the Little Flock officer on the scene called for help, and two Pea Ridge police officers responded, according to Pea Ridge Police Chief Tim Ledbetter, who also arrived on the scene to check the welfare of the officers.

At one point, shots were firedin the area where the police officer was checking the horse. The Little Flock police officer drew his weapon, according to Little Flock Police Chief Jesse Martinez.

When Pea Ridge officers arrived on the scene, they found the Little Flock officer had threeAlcohol involved males detained on the back porch of a residence.

After further investigation, the males were found to be juveniles who were left home alone. They claimed to be shooting at a tree. The horse that was shot was located behind the tree at which the juveniles claimed to be shooting. The horse had to be euthanized. Both guns that were used were hunting type rifles. It was also discovered that the juveniles had been drinking.

The boys were 13, 14 and 15 years of age. All three were cited for animal cruelty and minor in possession of alcohol, according to Martinez. They were released to their parents.