BENTONVILLE -- A Rogers school teacher was arrested Tuesday night after being involved in a police pursuit.
Randall Walter Steen, 58, of Bentonville was released from the Benton County Jail on Wednesday after posting a $20,000 bond. He was arrested Tuesday in connection with second-degree battery, misdemeanor fleeing and resisting arrest.
He was booked into the county jail at 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Bella Vista officers were dispatched to U.S. 71 at the state line to assist after a report from McDonald County (Mo.) sheriff's deputies about a vehicle pursuit, according to a police news release.
Bella Vista officers attempted to use spike strips when the vehicle entered Arkansas but the vehicle veered off the road and headed in the direction of the officers, according to the release.
The vehicle stopped behind one of the police vehicles and officers ordered the driver, later identified as Steen, to get out of the vehicle. He refused, according to the release.
Officers had to reach into the vehicle, pull Steen out and place him on the ground. Steen fought with officers, the release states.
Two Bella Vista officers were injured and one had to be taken to an area hospital, according to the release.
Sgt. Chris Pierce with the Pineville (Mo.) Police Department said he initially stopped Steen for speeding. Pierce described Steen's behavior as belligerent.
Pierce said he gave Steen a citation and Steen then sped off and did not signal before pulling the vehicle back on the roadway. Pierce said he attempted to stop Steen again to warn him about the danger of getting on the highway without signaling. Pierce said cars were passing by.
Bella Vista police were able to stop Steen, Pierce said.
His arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. April 20 in Circuit Judge Robin Green's court.
A spokesperson for Rogers Public Schools confirmed Steen is a physical education teacher who has been employed by the district since 2008. She said she could not comment on any possible disciplinary action or change of status.
Steen is a former wrestling coach for Heritage High School in Rogers. Steen stepped away from the head coach position citing health reasons in 2010, months after Heritage won its first state wrestling championship. He had coached the sport for 30 years in four states and was an official after that.
NW News on 03/12/2015