Two Texarkana, Ark., police officers were among a number recognized recently by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith.
Officer Rick Cockrell and Sgt. Scott Megason were honored Friday "for their outstanding work in recent law enforcement operations."
Cockrell was recognized for professionalism and outstanding actions in handling a domestic violence complaint in which "Bobby Joe Hampton, 29, was armed with a handgun and was physically assaulting his girlfriend as Officer Cockrell arrived on scene," said Kristi Bennett, police spokeswoman. "As Officer Cockrell approached Hampton, the girlfriend warned Officer Cockrell that Hampton was armed."
Cockrell grabbed Hampton's coat where it appeared the gun was hidden. The two struggled for more than three minutes before a backup officer arrived and helped take Hampton into custody, Bennett said. A firearm was found in a pocket of the coat.
Hampton, a felon with a violent history, was convicted and sentenced to federal prison.
Megason was recognized for his role in the investigation of a regional drug-trafficking organization that included LaQuan Haynes, Billy Florence, James Block and LaMario Henderson. Investigation showed they were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, police said, and Megason and others set up controlled purchases from the group, who worked under the direction of Haynes.
Haynes and the others were prosecuted and convicted in federal court of conspiring to distribute meth. The four received a combined 39-year prison sentence.
"TAPD recognizes and appreciates the outstanding efforts of these officers," Bennett said.