Deadly Disturbance Outside Benton Bait Shop Leaves One Man Dead as Police Investigate Isolated Incident Near I-30; Authorities Seek Public’s Help as Community Reels from Friday Night Tragedy
BENTON, Ark. – April 19, 2025 — A quiet Friday evening in Benton was shattered by violence when police responded to a reported disturbance near a local bait shop and found a man dead at the scene. The Benton Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched around 7:45 p.m. to Mac’s Minnows and More, a bait and tackle store located in the 15900 block of North Service Road, just off Interstate 30.
According to law enforcement officials, officers arrived to find the aftermath of a confrontation between two individuals. The nature of the disturbance has not yet been officially disclosed, but by the time officers arrived, one man was already deceased. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Initial Call and Response
The 911 call reportedly came from a witness who saw an altercation unfold outside the small bait shop, a local fixture that serves fishermen and travelers along I-30. Benton Police officers were quick to respond to the call and arrived within minutes.
Upon arrival, they located the victim—an adult male—lying unresponsive on the ground near the entrance of the business. Despite the efforts of first responders, the man could not be revived.
The Saline County Coroner was called to the scene, and the area was immediately cordoned off with police tape. Investigators remained on site for several hours, processing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence.
No Public Threat Reported
In a statement released late Friday night, the Benton Police Department confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public, a detail that may indicate that the parties involved were known to one another.
“This appears to be an isolated incident,” said Lt. Brian Bigelow, spokesperson for the Benton Police Department. “We are actively investigating and working to gather all facts surrounding this tragic event. At this time, we have no reason to believe the public is in any danger.”
Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin. Likewise, no suspect information has been made public. Authorities have not confirmed whether a suspect is in custody or if they are actively searching for a person of interest.
A Community in Shock
Mac’s Minnows and More, while modest in size, is well-known to locals as a reliable shop for bait, tackle, and outdoor supplies. Located just off a frequently traveled stretch of I-30, the area typically sees little crime, making Friday’s incident all the more shocking to residents and local business owners.
“This is a peaceful part of town,” said Theresa Walton, who runs a small antique store nearby. “To hear that someone was killed just down the road is very unsettling. Our hearts go out to whoever lost their life.”
Several nearby businesses closed early for the night as police activity grew in the area. Residents and passersby watched from a distance as law enforcement secured the scene under the light of patrol cars and portable lamps.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not confirmed whether a weapon was involved or the exact cause of the man’s death, though sources close to the investigation suggest it was the result of a physical altercation that turned deadly. Forensics teams were seen collecting items from the parking lot and surrounding area, including what appeared to be clothing and personal effects.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to step forward. The Benton Police Department is asking the public to call (501) 776-5947 or (501) 315-TIPS if they witnessed the disturbance or know anything about what happened prior to police arrival.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department’s official mobile app or through Crimestoppers of Saline County, which may offer a reward for information leading to an arrest or resolution in the case.
Awaiting Answers
As the sun rose Saturday morning, the scene had been cleared, but the questions remained. Who was the man found dead at the bait shop? What led to the deadly confrontation? Was this a spontaneous act of violence or the result of a longer-standing conflict?
These are the questions that detectives with the Benton Police Department are now working tirelessly to answer.
“We know the public wants answers, and so do we,” said Lt. Bigelow. “Our goal is to uncover the truth and provide closure to the victim’s family.”
The identity of the deceased is expected to be released by the Saline County Coroner’s Office once family members have been notified and an autopsy has been conducted. The department also said that more information, including potential suspect details, may be released in the coming days.
In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of a life in what should have been an ordinary evening in a quiet part of town.