Miller County deputies arrest man accused of having multiple knives, resisting arrest

Miller County deputies arrested John Melton on Wednesday after officers were dispatched to a report of trespassing in the 2900 block of Old Tuscumbia Road.

According to the probable cause statement, dispatch alerted officers that Melton had a large knife in his back pocket.

Deputies said when they made contact with Melton, they could see a large metal object with a handle sticking out of his back right pocket.

Officers said when they were speaking with Melton, he had his hands in his pockets. When deputies asked Melton to take his hands out of his pockets, he did not comply and began to walk backwards.

After several commands, Melton turned his body to a fighting stance, deputies said. Officers said when they grabbed Melton, he removed a hunting knife from his pocket.

Deputies said they pushed Melton against a building, he struggled to get free and the hunting knife fell.

Officers said they were able to get Melton handcuffed and placed him under arrest.

Deputies said they found two open pocket knives in Melton’s left pocket. Officers also found a 14 inch hatchet on his person.

Melton was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest and arrest.