Arkansas law officer killed Saturday during wreath procession escort

BENTONVILLE - A Benton County Sheriff's detective was killed Saturday while escorting a wreath procession that is crossing the country.

Sheriff's detective Paul Daniel Newell, 51, of Gravette, was killed early Saturday in a traffic accident in Bentonville while escorting the Wreaths Across America procession, the sheriff's office reported.

Arkansas State Police reported that Newell was driving a motorcycle east about 6:30 a.m. when he hit a curb on U.S. 71B and then hit an eastbound Freightliner.

The Benton County Sheriff's office posted a statement on Facebook.

"It is with profound sadness that Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway announces the on-duty tragic death of Detective Paul Daniel Newell, 51 of Gravette Arkansas.

Wreaths Across America is an organization that provides wreaths to veterans cemeteries across the country, the sheriff's office reports.

Newell began his law enforcement career in the detention division with the sheriff’s office on December 1st, 1998 and later went on to graduate from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training academy, the Benton County Sheriff posted.

Newell served as a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, training sergeant, lieutenant in the administration section and most recently detective assigned to the criminal investigation division. He was a certified instructor in numerous courses and placed a high emphasis on sharing his training and experience.

Funeral arrangements are being planned, the sheriff reported.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas officer killed escorting Wreaths Across America procession