On September 16, 2017, Cleburne County Deputies were dispatched to 502 Heber Springs Road West to assist Northstar EMS.  It was reported by Northstar that they were on a medical call, and another male in the vicinity was acting disorderly.  When deputies arrived, they attempted to talk to the male, but the male became unruly and combative, and attempted to fight the deputies.  A very intense physical altercation lasted for several minutes before the male was finally taken into custody.  Deputies then discovered that the male was in medical distress.  Some deputies began CPR while another ran back to where Northstar was to ask for their assistance.  The male was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The deputies were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  The investigation was turned over to the State Police.  No names have yet been released pending notifying the male’s family.   

-Sheriff Chris Brown

*****UPDATE*****

September 18, 2017:  The male was identified as Heath Allen Snowden, 34, of Heber Springs.  The Arkansas State Police is investigating the incident, and all information will be turned over to the 16th Judicial Prosecutor's Office to be reviewed upon completion.  Any media requests should be forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office.

-Sheriff Chris Brown