Jonesboro Suspect Accused Of Spitting In Officer’s Face

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro suspect was arrested after police said he spat in an officer’s face during a disturbance call.

Jared Omar Smith, 29, of Jonesboro, was arrested May 9 after officers with the Jonesboro Police Department responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 2400 block of Boydston Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit.

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When officers arrived, the first responding officer saw two males restraining another male on the ground with his hands behind his back. The male was later identified as Smith, the affidavit says.

Witnesses told officers Smith was highly intoxicated and had been causing a disturbance. Based on his intoxication and disorderly behavior, Smith was placed in wrist restraints and escorted toward a patrol vehicle, according to the affidavit.

While being escorted, Smith intentionally turned toward the officer and spat directly into the officer’s face, the affidavit says. The saliva made contact with the officer’s eye, face and ear.

After they reached the patrol vehicle, Smith continued actively resisting by kicking the officer multiple times in the legs, according to the affidavit.

Smith was arrested on charges of aggravated assault upon a certified law enforcement officer, a Class D felony, and public intoxication, a misdemeanor.

Bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety. His next court date is June 26.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.