BENTON, AR – Two arrests have been made in an arson attempt.
It happened Sunday night around 9:20 at 2100 Henry Street.
That’s where officers from the Benton Police Department were dispatched on a call about possible shots fired.
While on the way to the scene, officers were told a window had been broken and the suspects had left the scene.
When they arrived, officers found the broken window. According to the victim, the suspects returned after breaking the glass and threw a Molotov cocktail at his home. The device was filled with gasoline and had a burning piece of clothing sticking out of it. The victim was able to throw the Molotov cocktail out before it could explode.
Officers later found the suspect vehicle and made a traffic stop on Springhill Rd. near Pierce Manse Loop. The occupants were arrested. They’re identified as Natasha Johnson, 24, of Bryant and Troy Putman, 34, of Benton.
Johnson is charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Arson, 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, DWI- Drugs, Driving on a Suspended License, No Proof of Liability Insurance, Expired Tags, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Driving Left of Center, and Careless Driving. The controlled substance charges stem from Johnson having suspected marijuana and medication without a prescription in her possession.
Putman is charged with Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Attempt to Commit Arson. Additionally, Putman is an active parolee out of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections.
Both suspects were taken to the Saline County Detention Facility.
Benton Police say this is an on-going investigation and there could be additional charges filed.
