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Man charged after barricade situation on I-40/I-55 in West Memphis

ArDOT traffic cameras showed police had both lanes blocked off for several miles Wednesday evening.

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A Garland County, Arkansas, man has been charged after a two-hour barricade situation along the I-40/I-55 area in West Memphis Wednesday night.

According to the West Memphis Police Department, 47-year-old Charles Ray Skinner Jr. was charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental operations, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, carrying a weapon, DWI, refusal to submit BAC, disregarding a police officer, and improperly parking on highway.

Arkansas State Police said troopers were called when other drivers found a vehicle, driven by Skinner, parked in the westbound lane of I-40 near the Ingram and 7th Street exit just before 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators said at one point Skinner pulled out a gun and pointed it at other drivers who got out of their cars after a minor traffic crash.

They said when he refused to get out of the car, Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement stopped traffic and blocked all lanes.

Investigators said Skinner refused orders to get out of the vehicle, and WMPD said an armored truck was sent to the scene to help with drone surveillance. ASP said the armored truck approached Skinner's vehicle and officers released an irritant gas into the car. That's when they said Skinner surrendered. 

It all ended around 8:20 p.m.

Skinner is being held in the Crittenden County Jail on $7,835 bond.

Correction: Skinner was originally identified as from Lebanon, Tennessee, from jail records. Arkansas State Police said he is from Garland County, Arkansas.

 

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