Saline County, Arkansas – Authorities in Saline County have arrested a man on charges of capital murder and aggravated assault after a deadly incident outside a home near Benton. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspect, identified as Floyd Smith, was taken into custody after being found naked and armed at the scene.
Officials were called to a residence on West Longhills Road on September 30 after reports of a naked man firing a gun. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Smith, who was indeed holding a firearm. Law enforcement quickly disarmed him and placed him into custody.
A search of the area surrounding the home led deputies to discover a man’s body on the front porch. “Preliminary findings indicate that Smith and the victim were roommates and that this was not a random act of violence,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Investigators believe a “brief altercation” occurred prior to the shooting, though the exact circumstances leading up to the deadly confrontation remain under investigation. Officials have not released the identity of the victim at this time, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The incident has left the community shaken, with neighbors expressing concern over the sudden violence in what is normally considered a quiet area outside Benton. While details remain limited, authorities are emphasizing that this appears to be an isolated domestic dispute rather than a threat to public safety at large.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the events leading up to the shooting, including interviews with witnesses and the collection of physical evidence. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be considered as more information becomes available.
Smith is currently being held in the Saline County Detention Center without bond. Officials have urged anyone with further information about the incident to contact the sheriff’s office to aid the investigation.
This arrest marks a serious development in a case that has captured the attention of local residents, raising awareness about the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into deadly violence. Authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious or potentially violent situations to law enforcement immediately.
As the investigation progresses, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to provide updates as more details emerge, reaffirming their commitment to public safety and transparency throughout the process.
