VIDEO: Saline County officials release shooting details

BENTON — The Saline County Sheriff's Office arrested four people involved in a Monday afternoon shooting in Alexander that put two men in the hospital, reportedly over drugs.

Saline County Sheriff Bruce Pennington and Alexander Police Chief Horace Walters met with the media on Friday afternoon to discuss the case, releasing details into what they described as a "drug deal gone bad."

The incident occurred at the residence of John Hayes, 51, on Violet Cove in Alexander. Hayes was confronted in front of his home by Jason Harcourt, 32, when both men opened fire on each other with handguns at point-blank range.

Witnesses told authorities that 15-20 shots were fired during the melee, leaving Harcourt with injuries from multiple gunshot wounds to his legs and chest.

Two other men, Josh Green, 32, and Jamar "Little Baby" Williams, 25, got involved and began shooting. Green was associated with Hayes, and Williams with Harcourt.

The whole incident began over drugs, mainly over a type of methamphetamine known as "ice" Pennington said. He added that officers recovered the drug, as well as a large amount of money, near the scene.

Harcourt was taken by ambulance to an unidentified hospital in Little Rock for treatment. Hayes was taken by a private vehicle to Saline Memorial Hospital for his injuries. Harcourt was later transferred an Arkansas Department of Corrections facility in Malvern where he received further medical assistance.

Williams, Harcourt and Green are all being held in jail, while Hayes was released on $150,000 bond. Walters said that authorities have been to Hayes' residence before on drug-related charges, arresting him twice. Hayes was originally arrested and taken to jail for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Attempted capital murder.

At the time of his arrest, Green was found to be in possession of four weapons that Pennington said they believe were involved in the shooting. He was arrested and charged with two counts of Attempted capital murder, Tampering with Evidence and Hindering Apprehension. Williams was arrested and charged with two counts of Attempted capital murder, as well as Possession of a Firearm by Certain Person

Harcourt was arrested and charged with Possession of methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute greater than 10 grams, as well as having more forthcoming charges.

Read more about this story in tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.