A Benton man is being sought on an aggravated assault charge after an incident Sunday with an officer, authorities said Tuesday.
According to Benton police, Michael Schmall, 28, fled a residence "at a high rate of speed" as an officer was investigating a possible stolen truck about 9 p.m. Sunday at Hester Street in Benton.
When the truck started backing up toward an officer, the officer jumped out of the way and "narrowly avoided" being struck, according to a statement.
Police said they located Schmall shortly after he fled and attempted to stop him. Schmall did not comply and drove down Henry Street, crossing the Saline River before jumping from the vehicle and fleeing the area in an unknown direction.
Authorities later determined that the truck Schmall was driving was taken during a commercial burglary at a local business Aug. 27.
Stolen items were found in the vehicle, and some were found to be connected to crimes in other jurisdictions, including some crimes from outside the state, police said. Police also found suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to the statement.
Schmall has warrants out for aggravated assault, fleeing by vehicle, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, commercial burglary and theft of property.
Anyone with information about Schmall's whereabouts is asked to call the Benton Police Department at (501) 778-1171.