A Marion County man has been arrested after he fought with five law enforcement officers at a Mountain Home convenience store early Sunday morning. Multiple charges have been filed against 35-year-old Richard William Lepri of Flippin for the incident.
According to the probable cause affidavit from the Mountain Home Police Department, an officer on his way to work heard the call for assistance at the Casey’s store on State Highway 5 north. A Baxter County deputy was there and a city officer had not yet arrived.
Lepri would not stop for the officer and deputy and went into the store and behind the counter. Another deputy and officer had arrived and Lepri was yelling and would not comply with commands. Officers were able to get handcuffs on one wrist before he started resisting.
By this time, five law enforcement officers were on scene and all five and the suspect fell to the floor. A TASER was deployed, striking Lepri in the front of each of his thighs, but he continued resisting.
Officers and deputies were able to get him on his stomach and a TASER was again deployed, this time striking Lepri in the back of both of his thighs, but he continued to resist. They were able to get handcuffs of Lepri, but he managed to kick three law enforcement officers during the scuffle.
They were eventually able to get leg shackles on Lepri and then had to carry him to a patrol vehicle. When they arrived at the jail, Lepri continued to resist and had to be placed in a restraint chair.
Lepri is facing three felony counts of assault on a law enforcement officer along with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental operations, resisting arrest and interference with a law enforcement officer. He is being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on bonds totaling $5,000.
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