Fort Smith police officer placed on paid leave, accused of making threat in Greenwood

Robert Medley, Fort Smith Times Record
Updated ·2 min read
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A Fort Smith police officer has been placed on administrative leave following a misdemeanor complaint in Greenwood accusing him of making a terroristic threat, Fort Smith police said.

Christopher George, 38, who has been a Fort Smith officer 16 years, also faces a disorderly conduct charge in connection with the Greenwood threats against a person. George was booked into the Sebastian County jail and released.

According to a Fort Smith news release, Greenwood police opened an investigation into a May 29 incident. George was placed on paid administrative leave immediately pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. He turned in his department-issued weapons and equipment.

A Greenwood police report states that a Greenwood police lieutenant received a call at 8:25 p.m. May 29 from George on his personal cellphone. The lieutenant reported that George said he "was in his work car and on the way to Greenwood."

"It sounded as though George was intoxicated," Greenwood Lt. Joey Deer wrote in the report. "George explained to me that he had his duty belt and his rifle. George stated that he was on his way to (Greenwood) to kill an individual."

The Greenwood report states George said "he wouldn't hurt any police officer after he killed the man and he would surrender peacefully."

Fort Smith police responded and took George's weapons, according to the report. The next day, George called Deer and said that he did not really want to kill anyone, according to the police report. The police report shows the incident involved a domestic situation.

George will remain on leave until an internal investigation is completed under the due process for civil service rules, the Fort Smith news release states.

"The Fort Smith Police Department remains committed to transparency and impartiality in all matters involving its personnel. Our focus will continue to be serving and protecting the community while striving to maintain the principles of accountability and public trust that you have come to expect from us. Thank you for your understanding," Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker stated in the news release.

Baker thanked Greenwood police for "bringing this matter to our attention and for their diligent work in conducting a fair and comprehensive criminal investigation."

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Fort Smith police officer placed on leave following alleged threat