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Police: 2 arrested in connection to homemade explosive found in Bella Vista on New Year's Day

Bella Vista police say there have been a series of reports of small explosions across the city over the past couple of weeks.

BELLA VISTA, Ark — Police in Bella Vista have arrested two men in connection with a homemade explosive device that was set off in the city on New Year’s Eve.

Ricky Lee Burnett, 42, and Joseph Witten, 38, both of Bella Vista, have been arrested in connection with criminal acts involving explosives, a Class B felony.

Police received a call just before 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, of possible remnants of an explosive device and damage to a park bench near some townhomes off Estes Drive. The device had allegedly been set off the night before. 

The Bentonville Police Department’s Bomb Squad assisted officers in examining and gathering evidence, which led to search warrants for two homes on Connie Lane and Carlton Circle in Bella Vista. 

Investigators found enough evidence to connect the two men to the incident. 

Lapp says police did not find any damage to other structures and no injuries were reported. 

Bella Vista police say there have been a series of reports of small explosions across the city over the past couple of weeks and evidence suggests at least one of the two men arrested was involved in those events. 

The investigation is ongoing.

At this time, police say there are no threats to the public. 

The two men are being held in the Benton County Jail while they await a bond hearing.

Please check back for updates to this developing story.

We are currently assessing an area off Chelsea after receiving a report of possible remnants of an explosive device...

Posted by Bella Vista Police Department on Saturday, January 1, 2022

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