Jacksonville man arrested after vehicle causes $10,000 in damage to Sherwood school fence and concession stand

Sherwood police arrested a Jacksonville man Saturday evening after a vehicle crashed into the fence and concession stand at Sylvan Hills High School, causing an estimated damage of more than $10,000, according to an arrest report.

According to police, 44-year-old Darmel Batemon is charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a revoked license, ignition interlock violation and property damage.

The arresting officer was dispatched to Bear Paw Road at 8:34 p.m. Saturday for a report of a black SUV being driven recklessly.

According to the report, the driver left the scene and continued on Arkansas 107 until his vehicle struck a light pole at the intersection of State Highway and Brockington Road in Sherwood.

Batemon was located by a patrolling Sherwood police officer, who informed the arresting officer of Batemon’s whereabouts.

The arresting officer arrived at the scene and observed Batemon outside the vehicle before approaching him.

The report states that when asked about his physical condition, Batemon slurred his words and attempted to walk to one of the patrol cars “on the grounds that he was drunk and to arrest him.”

Dispatch advised the arresting officer that Batemon had a suspended driver’s license and had 183 days left on a breathalyzer in his vehicle.

According to the report, arresting officers were unable to locate a security lock inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Officers arrested Batemon and took him to the Sherwood Police Department. He had been in the Pulaski County Jail as of Sunday evening, according to an online inmate list.