Bald Knob Police Chief Resigns

Bald Knob police chief Erek Balentine, the center of controversy since he aggressively pursued citizens who exercised the open carry of firearms, has resigned. His letter of resignation had a very pleasant manner about it, in sharp contrast to his performance while actually on the job. Reports are that he cited safety concerns for his family after his personal truck was burned in an apparent arson. He gave no indication that there were any specific threats against him or his family. The action against Balentine's truck gives him something of a face-saving way to leave the hot seat.

Hopefully, the state police will take over the arson investigation. Both Balentine and the presumed arsonist operated outside the law. Criminals are bad enough when they don't have a badge.