Three Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were recognized as Officers of the Year by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin during a luncheon last Thursday in central Arkansas.
Sheriff Gregg Alexander announced that Deputy Brett Castle, Sergeant Mark Lee, and Lieutenant Silas Gibson were honored for their actions during a dangerous 2023 disturbance. The incident involved an armed suspect who threatened a family member with a firearm and later barricaded himself inside his residence.
According to Sheriff Alexander, the suspect fired at least three rounds at the deputies from inside the home, with two bullets ricocheting off a vehicle and striking nearby but not injuring the officers. During the standoff, one deputy returned fire, while another continued efforts to communicate with the suspect and assess his condition.
At one point, the suspect emerged onto the porch and reportedly told the deputies they would have to kill him. Despite the escalating tension, the deputies remained calm, de-escalating the situation and convincing the suspect to exit the house. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Marion County Detention Center.
Sheriff Alexander praised the deputies for their professionalism and quick thinking, stating that the incident could have ended much differently. He commended their ability to resolve the situation peacefully, preventing injuries to both the suspect and law enforcement officers.
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