Suspect nabbed

A joint operation between the Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff's Department and Pine Bluff authorities, results in the successful arrest of 30yo Lester Phillips on Capital Murder and Weapons charges.

Pine Bluff authorities received information that Phillips was staying at a house in Hot Springs on Hagen Street. The Hot Springs Police Department set-up surveillance on the residence and were able to confirm that Phillips was there. A secure perimeter was established and PD Officers maintained surveillance up to, and after, the SWAT team arrived on scene, at which time they began assisting with evacuation of surrounding houses.

The Garland County Sheriff's Department SWAT team and negotiators were utilized to introduce a communications phone into the residence and establish contact.

At approximately 6:30pm, power was cut off to the residence and shortly after Phillips exited and was taken into custody by the SWAT team, without incident.

The coordinated efforts of all agencies involved resulted in the safe apprehension of Phillips, with only a few SWAT members suffering from very minor heat related concerns.