Leads sought in fight at rodeo arena

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Mountain Home police are requesting the public's help in tracking down leads regarding a fight that occurred at the grounds during a rodeo at Optimist Park on Sunday.

Police and an ambulance were dispatched to the arena grounds around 9 p.m. that evening regarding a reported fight in progress.

As law enforcement arrived on scene, officers learned that a physical altercation had occurred between several individuals, including security personnel working there.

During the course of the investigation, officers received conflicting stories between witnesses, making it difficult for them to determine the initial cause of the confrontation and which parties acted in self defense.

There were some apparent injuries among participants. However, they declined medical treatment, and no one was taken to the hospital at that time.

This investigation is ongoing due to a large number of people that police want to interview and receive statements.

"In any investigation with this many people involved, it is important for us to make sure that we receive all the information and speak to as many witnesses as we can prior to making a decision on arresting or charging anyone," said city police chief Chief Nick Schilz. "The situation was handled by officers with all the information they had at the time.

"We will continue this investigation with the help of our detective division. Once it is completed, the report will go to our prosecuting attorney's office for possible charges."

The police department will release more information will once they complete their investigation. Meanwhile, investigators are asking for any witnesses to come forward.

Investigators added that any video taken during the incident would be extremely helpful at this point.

Those with any information regarding the crimes are asked to call the county dispatch office at 587-2100 or the city police department at 587-2101. People may also submit tips anonymously by going online to www.mhpd.net and selecting the "silent witness" link.

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