On Wednesday, June 14, a misdemeanor warrant was issued for a Fort Smith Police officer charged with terroristic threatening in the second degree and disorderly conduct.
The affidavit alleges that on May 29, 2023, FSPD Officer Christopher George made a phone call to Greenwood Police Lieutenant Joey Deer indicating he was going to kill an individual, later identified as Chad Smith of Greenwood.
“He said he was in his ‘work car’ and had his duty belt and his rifle. Lt. Deer stated he sounded intoxicated during the phone call,” City of Greenwood Prosecuting Attorney Travis Plummer stated. “Lt. Deer also stated that he told him multiple times to stop what he was doing and go home, George told him that he was trying to protect his family and hung up. Lt. Deer contacted a DEA Special Agent to find out the make and model of the car George was driving, once he had that information, he contacted Lt. Brad Hobbs (Greenwood), Sgt. Mahan (Greenwood) and Sebastian County Dispatch to advise them on the situation and send officers to the location. George never arrived at the address of Chad Smith, but his phone pinged in Greenwood multiple times. Later in the evening George called Lt. Deer again once he discovered that he had been in contact with local law enforcement and told him that he was going home.”
The Fort Smith Police Department issued a statement regarding the incident stating:
On Wednesday, June 14, the Greenwood City Prosecuting Attorney issued a misdemeanor arrest warrant for FSPD police officer Chris George on the charges of disorderly conduct and terroristic threatening in the second degree. George, who cooperated fully with the criminal investigation conducted by the Greenwood, AR Police Department, and the Fort Smith Police Department, turned himself in to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center.
Greenwood Police notified our department of an incident and opened an investigation into Mr. George for terroristic threats on May 29th. Immediately upon learning of the incident, George was placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with Department Policy pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. All Department-issued weapons and equipment were confiscated at that time.
With the criminal investigation completed, George will remain on leave until an internal investigation has been completed and due process per Civil Service rules is afforded him.
Chief Baker would like to thank Greenwood Police for bringing this matter to our attention and for their diligent work in conducting a fair and comprehensive criminal investigation. The Fort Smith Police Department remains committed to transparency and impartiality in all matters involving its personnel. Our focus will continue to be serving and protecting the community while striving to maintain the principles of accountability and public trust that you have come to expect from us. Thank you for your understanding.”
The offense of Terroristic Threatening 2nd Degree, in violation of A.C.A. §5-13-301(b)(2) is a Class “A” Misdemeanor, and Disorderly Conduct, in violation of A.C.A. $5-71-207, is a Class “C” Misdemeanor. The prosecutor recommended legally sufficient bond be set at $1000. George was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on June 14 at 10:02 a.m. and released on bond at 10:56 a.m.
