Around 11:00 pm on Tuesday, October 8th, 2019, a Lawrence county deputy was injured after an altercation with a subject on Hwy. 361 in Black Rock. The incident began when the deputy, on a routine patrol, made contact with a white male ,wearing a dark hoodie ,who was walking along the highway. At some point during the interaction the subject became non compliant claiming he had a firearm. A physical altercation ensued in which during the course of the deputy was injured. The deputy contacted dispatch for assistance. Other Lawrence county deputies came to his aid. Although injured the deputy completed his arrest. His injuries are considered non life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery. The deputy was taken to St. Bernard’s for treatment of his injuries.
The suspect was identified as 28 year old Spencer Langston whose most recent address is Thayer, Missouri. Langston was arrested and take to the Lawrence County detention center and charged with 1st degree battery. Langston has a lengthy criminal past with charges out of Fulton County, AR, Sharp County, AR, Howell County, MO. and has done time in the Missouri Department of Correction. His criminal background includes numerous offenses ranging from assault, to endangering the welfare of a minor and includes several drug arrests. Langston will receive a bond hearing where his bond and court date will be set.