A Highfill police
officer was suspended and the chief resigned following a criminal investigation
by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. The county prosecutor says he will not
file charges in the case.
The officer was
suspended after residents entered the Highfill City Hall, complaining that the
officer had broken into a home and stolen a Pea Ridge population sign, Mayor
Stacy Digby told 5NEWS.
The Benton County
Sheriff’s Office investigated the officer and forwarded the case to Benton
County Prosecutor Van Stone. Stone said he will not file criminal charges
because his office and the Sheriff’s Office determined there was no criminal
intent.
Highfill Police
Chief Chuck Eggebrecht resigned earlier this week following a dispute with the
mayor about the investigation. Eggebrecht disagreed with the mayor’s choice to
suspend the Highfill officer, Digby said.
The mayor said the
city is searching for a new police chief to replace Eggebrecht.