Armed Robbery Suspect Fires Shots at Bentonville Officer, SWAT Makes Arrest
The streets of Bentonville witnessed a dramatic scene Monday evening as an armed robbery suspect fired multiple rounds at a pursuing police officer. The incident unfolded when officers responded to a call about an armed robbery at a Murphy USA gas station on Southeast Walton Boulevard at around 10 p.m.
The chasing officer was lucky to have evaded the gunfire, according to a statement from the Bentonville Police Department. Despite the close call, the officer managed to maintain surveillance and locate the suspect in the area. However, upon further pursuit, the suspect again fired at the officer, causing the officer to lose sight of him momentarily.
A swift response from the Bentonville SWAT team led to the arrest of Christopher Szajner, a 51-year-old Bentonville man. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Benton County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Szajner is facing numerous charges, including attempted capital murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of theft of property, second-degree battery, and fleeing. This is not his first run-in with the law; he has a history of convictions in California for felony carjacking and inflicting corporal punishment on a spouse or cohabitant.
In a previous incident on August 19, Szajner was arrested at an Extended Stay America motel in connection with possession of firearms by certain persons. He claimed to be a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder but was found with a black Anderson AR-15 rifle and several boxes of 9mm ammunition in his room.
Charges Against Szajner:
– Attempted Capital Murder
– Two Counts of Aggravated Robbery
– Two Counts of Theft of Property
– Second-Degree Battery
– Fleeing
Key Events:
1. Armed Robbery: A Murphy USA gas station on Southeast Walton Boulevard was the scene of an armed robbery around 10 p.m.
2. Pursuit: The suspect, identified as Christopher Szajner, fled on foot and was pursued by a police officer.
3. Gunfire: During the pursuit, Szajner fired multiple rounds at the pursuing officer, but the officer was not hit.
4. SWAT Intervention: The Bentonville SWAT team located and apprehended Szajner at a nearby hotel.
5. Arrest and Charges: Szajner faces serious charges related to the armed robbery and shooting at the police officer. His history with firearms possession and previous convictions will likely play a significant role in his case.
Christopher Szajner’s claim at his bond hearing that he did not shoot at the officer adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The incident highlights the bravery and quick response of the Bentonville Police Department in apprehending a dangerous suspect who put multiple lives at risk[1][2].
