Reynaldo L. Ochoa

     A Midway resident, 46 year old REYNALDO L. OCHOA, has been arrested on serious felony charges after shooting arrows at deputies who were on the scene of a domestic violence call Tuesday evening, March 10th.

     At approximately 9:53 PM, the Sheriff's Office was notified that a 911 call had been received stating that a violent domestic disturbance was taking place at 1523 Hwy 178 W in the Midway area.  It was reported that a door had been kicked in and that a male suspect on scene was threatening to shoot at responding deputies with a bow and arrow.

     When Deputy Austin Morrison and Corporal Jamie Binnion arrived they made contact with a female victim outside the residence.  She stated she had been assaulted and that the door to the residence had been kicked in by REYNALDO OCHOA, who had been living there, after he came home in an intoxicated condition. 

     Deputies moved the victim to a safe place and then began to approach the residence.  As deputies were announcing their presence on approach, the dispatcher alerted them over the radio that OCHOA was on the phone saying he was pointing a bow and arrow at them.  At this point the deputies took cover near a parked mini van in the yard.  The suspect subsequently shot two arrows at the deputies.  Corporal Binnion then maneuvered his patrol car in such as manner as to provide additional cover.  A perimeter was established, and additional deputies were dispatched to the residence.  Deputies ultimately found that OCHOA had fled from the residence into the woods after shooting the arrows.  The canine tracking team from the Arkansas Department of Corrections - North Central Unit was called for assistance, arriving at approximately 11:18 PM.  The canine team quickly picked up a track on the suspect and apprehended him in the woods at 11:31 PM not far from the residence.  OCHOA was still carrying the bow and arrows when he was apprehended. 

     REYNALDO L. OCHOA was transported to the Baxter County Detention Center.  After consultation with the Prosecuting Attorney, OCHOA was booked on charges of:

Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the First Degree (2 counts) - Class A Felonies
Domestic Battery in the Second Degree - Class C Felony
Terroristic Threatening (3 counts) - Class D Felonies
Interference with Emergency Communications - Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Mischief - Class A Misdemeanor
Fleeing from Officers - Class C Misdemeanor

     REYNALDO L. OCHOA is being held in custody in lieu of $500,000 bond.  He will appear before the Circuit Court to answer  on March 12th.  Records indicate that OCHOA has a lengthy past criminal history from the State of California, including arrests for making terroristic threats, battery on a peace officer, domestic violence, and escape or attempted escape. 

     No officers were injured as a result of OCHOA'S violent actions.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff