Man allegedly injures officer while resisting arrest

Hugo Carreno Munos - Submitted photo
Hugo Carreno Munos - Submitted photo

A local man initially being arrested for public intoxication Tuesday was soon facing felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly fighting with Hot Springs police, causing injuries to one officer during the struggle.

Hugo Alberto Carreno Munos, 36, alias "King Cobra," who lists a Cooper Street address, was taken into custody around 3 p.m. and charged with a felony count of second-degree battery on a law enforcement officer, punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, punishable by up to one year in jail, and public intoxication.

Munos, who lists no felony history but had several prior arrests for public intoxication, was being held on a $4,000 bond and was set to appear Wednesday in Garland County District Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit, at around 2:51 p.m., Officer 1st Class Taylor Gates responded to the 500 block of Albert Pike Road to conduct a welfare check on a man lying on the sidewalk in front of the business there.

Gates saw the man, later identified as Munos, on the sidewalk with several beer cans on the ground around him. The Hot Springs Fire Department had also responded to assist with possible medical treatment because LifeNet personnel were having a delayed response.

As firefighters were speaking with Munos, Gates noted his speech was slurred and his coordination was poor. Munos was allegedly yelling and demanding he be called "King Cobra."

He reportedly continued to act belligerently and yell at officers and firefighters, but declined to go to a hospital. He "abruptly stood up" at one point and held his arms out.

Gates and Officer Anthony Larkin attempted to take him into custody for public intoxication, but he allegedly began to flee.

He was quickly taken to the ground by Larkin, but then he began to pull away and fight with Larkin, Gates and other officers.

The affidavit notes Larkin sustained several cuts and burns to his right hand, right shoulder and left arm while fighting with Munos. It reportedly took three officers and two firefighters to finally "bring his arms under control" where he could be handcuffed and taken into custody.

Munos was initially taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment of any injuries he sustained, but was later released and booked into the detention center shortly after 10 p.m.

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