A north Arkansas man (Marion County) remains hospitalized at a Springfield Missouri hospital after authorities report he shot himself in the head when deputies, responding to a report of a suicidal male, found a house and vehicles ablaze.
72-year-old Kenneth Nelson of rural Yellville, was airlifted to Cox Medical Center South for treatment and law enforcement states he is likely to face charges once he is released.
Marion County authorities say the incident occurred Jan. 9 when deputies went to the residence off Hwy 14 South. When officers arrived, a house, truck and a tractor were all engulfed in flames.
The deputies found Nelson holding a gas can near the pickup and ordered him to drop it. He ignored their demands, drew a weapon and shot himself in the head.
Deputies secured the weapon and moved Nelson away from the burning structure and began rendering aid to the suspect.
Marion County Investigators are continuing their investigation and criminal charges against Nelson are expected.