A Benton man is in custody after police say he was initially arrested on domestic violence charges and then stole a patrol car and fled as officers spoke with alleged victims.
According to Benton Police Department, Daniel P. Odom, 41, of Benton, was arrested after officers responded to a domestic disturbance report about 11:30 p.m. Thursday on Red Fox Drive. Police say Odom was handcuffed behind his back and placed into the back of a patrol car. Police also say he was seat belted in place.
As officers were speaking to victims outside, according to BPD, they noticed Odom had managed to escape from the seat belt and maneuver through an opening between the front and back seat of the patrol car. He took control of the patrol car and fled the scene, police say.
The patrol car was discovered wrecked about 1 1/2 miles from the scene, near Dogtown and Fulks Road in Benton. Odom was not on scene.
About 10:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, police received a tip from a resident who called central dispatch in reference to a man wearing handcuffs and walking near Dogtown Road, according to BPD. Officers responded to the area and located Odom walking on Dogtown Road, south of Walnut Grove Road. Odom was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault (domestic violence), DUI first offense, second-degree disorderly conduct, fleeing or evading police (on foot), fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle) second-degree escape, leaving the scene of an accident and first-degree criminal mischief.