BENTON, Ark. (Saline County Sheriff's Office) -- Due to the recent statement by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, the Saline County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) has received several phone calls regarding Act 746.
Attorney General Rutledge's prepared statement was:
"I interpret it to mean an individual may carry so long as he or she does so Without the intent to unlawfully employ it against another person. But anytime law enforcement and citizens disagree on a law we need to ensure there is clarity to protect citizens. I am committed to working with the General Assembly to clarify any confusion surrounding Act 746 and its intent."
It will be the practice of the SCSO not to make an arrest solely for openly carrying a firearm, but to look at each case individually and make a determination on whether or not an arrest for carrying an openly displayed weapon should be made, based on evidence of criminal intent. The facts and circumstances of each case will be weighed carefully based on state law. If indeed an arrest is made, a report will be forwarded to the prosecuting attorney for possible prosecution.
The Attorney General's interpretation of Act 746 is in line with the Saline County Prosecutor's Office.
Carrying a weapon openly could cause public alarm and if notified, SCSO Deputies are required to respond and investigate the situation. Sheriff Rodney Wright encourages all citizens of Saline County to act responsibly when possessing firearms.
