Harrison Man Facing Charges After Incident in Bergman that Injured an Officer

Charges were filed last week against a Harrison man facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he resisted arrest and injured a law enforcement officer during a confrontation at his residence earlier this month.

John Wesley Hardin, 44, was charged with second-degree battery, a Class D felony; aggravated assault, a Class D felony; resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor; and obstructing governmental operations, a Class C misdemeanor.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Boone County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Justin James and Corporal Nathan Jones went to Hardin's residence on Moark Drive in Bergman on Aug. 8 to serve a signed felony affidavit for first-degree terroristic threatening.

Investigators said Jones made contact with Hardin at the front door and instructed him to come outside. Hardin allegedly refused and attempted to retreat back into the residence while closing the door behind him.

The affidavit states Jones followed Hardin into the home and attempted to take him into custody. During the encounter, Hardin allegedly grabbed Jones by the neck and pushed him away while resisting arrest.

Deputy James then entered the residence to assist Jones. Authorities said Hardin continued to struggle with the deputies despite Jones deploying a Taser in drive-stun mode.

According to the affidavit, the confrontation moved to the floor, where officers were able to secure one of Hardin's hands in a handcuff. Investigators allege Hardin continued to resist and pushed Jones' head into a dog inside the home. The dog then bit Jones on the left cheek.

James subsequently gained control of Hardin's right arm, and authorities said Hardin eventually surrendered his left arm, allowing officers to place him fully in handcuffs.

The affidavit states the struggle lasted approximately five minutes from the time Jones entered the residence until Hardin was successfully restrained.

After the arrest, Jones transported Hardin to North Arkansas Regional Medical Center after Hardin complained that he believed his right shoulder had been dislocated. Medical personnel evaluated and cleared Hardin before he was transported to the Boone County Detention Center.

Court records indicate Jones suffered red marks on his neck from the alleged altercation as well as the dog bite injury to his cheek.

Hardin was booked into the Boone County Detention Center, where he remains on a $10,000 bond.