By SAMANTHA HUSEAS
Log Cabin Staff Writer

Thursday, May 24, 2001

Dale S. Perkins, 19, who is accused of kidnapping a young child, holding her and her mother hostage and shooting at police, was formally charged Wednesday.

Twentieth Judicial Prosecuting Attorney H.G. Foster has charged the Conway man with two counts of kidnapping, a class-Y felony; three counts of criminal attempt to commit capital murder, a class-A felony; and class-C or D felony charges of felon in possession of a firearm, terroristic threatening, fleeing and commercial burglary.

If convicted of all current charges, Perkins could be sentenced to over 100 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Foster added there may by more charges after he talks with officers involved in the incident.

Perkins, who was wanted on a criminal attempt to commit battery warrant, allegedly forced Amanda Pilgrim and her small child from their home an into vehicle late Thursday night. Perkins was at the Henry Street home when Metro SWAT Team members surrounded it.

As the suspect and victims were leaving, Perkins allegedly shot at officers. Officers then shot out the tires on his vehicle. A slow pursuit ensued and ended at Kimberly-Clark where a six-hour stand-off took place.

Perkins allegedly shot a SWAT officers at least once more during the night.

Among authorities at the scene was deputy prosecutor Marcus Vaden.

Officers said his being there and the help the prosecutors' office as given has been invaluable.

"We do appreciate the fact the prosecuting attorney did come out," Lt. Bill Milburn said. "It gives them a taste of what goes on."

Foster agreed, saying going to the scene of such incidents "is part of the job, if we're going to do our job right."

He added that seeing what happened and advising those on the scene of things that will make the case stronger, such as photos taken from a particular angle, is essential to doing the job.

"It's something we have always done and will continue to do," Foster said.

(Staff writer Samantha Huseas can be reached by phone at 505-1253 or e-mail at sam@thecabin.net)