A charge of Attempted Murder has been filed against a Norfork area man following a disturbance call that deputies answered on Sunday, February 13^th.  At approximately 10:47 AM, the 911 Center notified the Sheriff’s Office of a disturbance at 459 CR 202 in the Norfork area involving a man threatening another person with a gun. 

     Sheriff’s Deputy Tracy Munson and Arkansas State Police Trooper Paul Fry responded to the area.  Before arriving at the residence, the 911 Center notified officers that the suspect had already left the scene in a black and red Chevrolet pickup truck.  Trooper Fry observed the vehicle and suspect on State Highway 5 and initiated a vehicle stop at the “Y” Store in Salesville at approximately 11:02 AM. 

     The suspect, identified as JOHN T. OLDHAM of Norfork, was taken into custody by Trooper Fry, not only for investigative purposes related to the incident but also for Driving While Intoxicated, after officers determined JOHN OLDHAM to be under the influence of alcohol.  Trooper Fry located an SKS style 7.62 mm rifle behind the seat of the truck, which was seized and taken into evidence.

     Deputy Munson continued to the location of the complaint call and made contact with two people, a Mr. Mark King and Mrs. Jacqueline Oldham.  These persons told Deputy Munson that JOHN OLDHAM was inside the house while they were both working outside.  JOHN OLDHAM came outside with a rifle and fired a round in the air, then pointed the gun at Mr. King, making verbal threats to kill him.  Mrs. Oldham attempted to intervene.  JOHN OLDHAM then attempted to fire the rifle directly at Mr. King, but the gun jammed and did not discharge.  The call was then placed to the 911 Center and JOHN OLDHAM left the scene in the Chevrolet truck.  The specific motive for the incident is yet to be determined.

     Lt. Terry Johnson conducted the follow up investigation.  After conferring with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, it was determined that a charge of Attempted Murder would be filed against JOHN OLDHAM.

     JOHN T. OLDHAM, 33 years old of Norfork, was charged with:

                        Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the First Degree – Class A Felony
                        Driving While Intoxicated  - Class A Misdemeanor
                        No Liability Insurance – Unclassified Misdemeanor
                        No Seat Belt – Violation

     He remains incarcerated in the Baxter County Detention Center with an appearance set in Circuit Court for later this month.   His preliminary bond is $50,000.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff