Benton County Deputy killed during the escort for Wreaths Across America

Bentonville, Arkansas – A local police officer was killed in Bentonville after being struck by a truck while being escorted to deliver supplies for a Wreaths Across America program.

According to Sheriff Shawn Holloway of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Paul Newell, 51, was on duty during the Wreath Across America parade on Saturday, December 17, when he was struck by a truck.

Before 7:30 on Saturday morning, an accident occurred on Walton Boulevard. Following the collision, Bentonville Police closed off the area.

On Saturday morning, the Benton County Division of Public Safety published the information below to its Facebook page.

“The Benton County Sheriff’s Office lost a great deputy this morning during a motorcycle escort crash. Please keep the family and the law enforcement brothers and sisters in your prayers. The [deputy’s] name has not yet been released to the public.”

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement later that morning identifying Detective Newell as the victim.

Detective Newell joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1998, beginning in the custody division, according to BCSO. He worked as a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, training sergeant, and lieutenant during his time in law enforcement. He was a detective with the Criminal Investigation Division most recently.

One of the police officers accompanying big vehicles for a Wreaths Across America event was Detective Newell.

The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony was held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Three trucks, each representing a business based in Northwest Arkansas: Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt, were set to deliver wreaths to the Fayetteville National Cemetery, according to a veteran who attended the Wreaths Across America event. The veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that the Walmart truck failed to deliver its wreaths.

A representative for Walmart said:

“We’re heartbroken about this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with Deputy Paul Newell’s loved ones. We value our partnerships with local law enforcement and will be cooperating with the investigation.”