BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Benton County Detective Paul Newell’s body was escorted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab Sunday, Dec. 18 morning after he died in a crash over the weekend.
The Benton County deputy was killed in a Saturday morning crash as he escorted the Wreaths Across America procession in Bentonville.
According to the crash report from Arkansas State Police, Detective Newell was driving eastbound in the center turning lane on Highway 71B when he hit a curb, lost control and hit a semi-truck. The report states the driver of the semi was not injured in the crash.
Margo Capps is a training officer with the county's search and rescue team and is also a spouse of a law enforcement officer. She says she has attended many line-of-duty processions.
"That's a law enforcement thing. I mean, they're in there, in this job to be there for the community to outbreak, you know, for community outreach, to support the community to protect the community," Capps said. "You know, so to be in law enforcement is to be part of that community, you know, and give of themselves to protect and reach out to the community."
Lieutenant Shannon Jenkins with the Benton County Sheriff's Office says that Newell is leaving behind a long legacy with the department as a man of many hats through his 24-year career.
First responders lined up on Melissa Drive in Bentonville as Newell's body was escorted from the Benton County Coroner’s Office to the state crime lab. Along 14th St., the Benton County public was invited to honor him.
"It's just our way of showing support, you know, there's not a whole lot we can do other than show our simple support for our fallen brother. So this is our way of showing support," Capps said.
A temporary memorial has been placed outside the Benton County Sherriff's Office.
"It is hard, you know, there's nothing more tragic than a line of duty death. So, you know, that family I know is hurting so badly. As is the entire law enforcement community," Capps said.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Newell for Dec 28 at 10:30 a.m.
The memorial service will be at Cross Church, 2448 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Rogers, AR. 72758. Newell will be laid to rest at the Maysville Cemetery in Maysville, Arkansas.
The memorial service will be open to the public.
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