VIDEO: Prosecutor won't charge deputies, officer in shooting at Arkansas Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE — Prosecutors will not seek criminal charges against Benton County sheriff’s office deputies and a Cave Springs police officer involved in a shooting during a drug sting in a Rogers Wal-Mart parking lot.

Nathan Smith, Benton County prosecuting attorney, said Tuesday that no charges would be filed against the officers. Smith determined the officers’ actions were justifiable. He noted one deputy was struck by the suspect’s vehicle before the shooting.

Arkansas State Police investigated the shooting and then turned its case file over to Smith.

The shooting occurred after deputies arranged a drug deal with Jose Centeno through an informant, according to court documents. The informant wanted to buy a half ounce of methamphetamine for $600 from Centeno, according to court documents.

Centeno called the source at 12:50 a.m. April 23 to report he was near the pharmacy, according to the affidavit. Two deputies and the Cave Springs police officer moved their vehicles behind Centeno's vehicle when he arrived at the location, while two other deputies moved their vehicles in front of Centeno's vehicle, the affidavit states.

The deputies got out of their vehicles and announced "sheriff's office," according to the affidavit.

Cpl. Matt. Nading reported he was to the front of Centeno's vehicle, just off to the driver's side. Nading said he ordered Centeno to show his hands, the affidavit states.

Nading said Centeno started his vehicle and moved it in reverse. Centeno rammed Lt. Nathan Coy's truck, causing the truck door to strike Coy and knock him to the ground. Coy is a Cave Springs officer, and the truck was a Cave Springs police vehicle, according to the affidavit.

Nading said Centeno then began to drive forward and swerved his vehicle toward him. Nading stepped back to get out the way, but Centeno struck Nading with his vehicle. Nading flipped over the hood of Centeno's vehicle before he fell to the ground, the affidavit states.

Nading, Detective Christopher Kelley and Coy then fired shots at Centeno, according to the affidavit. Court documents didn't specify how many shots each officer fired.

Centeno, 30, of Springdale is being held in the Benton County jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. He was arrested in connection with attempted capital murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, fleeing, possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine or cocaine, tampering with physical evidence and a parole violation.

Prosecutors haven't filed formal charges against Centeno. His arraignment is set for 8 a.m. June 6 in Circuit Judge Robin Green's court.

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