Two people have been arrested in relation to a double shooting incident that took place on March 30 on Bay Hill Place in rural Mountain Home, according to a May 5 statement from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office. The incident involved an exchange of gunfire between two individuals, resulting in both being hospitalized for injuries.
Authorities said the altercation stemmed from a property boundary dispute or trespassing issue. The two who exchanged gunfire were identified as Brett Cox, age 50, and John Way, age 22. John Way was accompanied by his brother David Way, age 20. Following the incident, investigators gathered evidence and conducted interviews before presenting their findings to a judge for probable cause determination. Arrest warrants were issued on May 1.
According to the investigation, Cox approached John and David Way after observing them on his property attempting to remove a canoe he owned. A verbal argument followed during which Cox allegedly fired a warning shot with his shotgun. Authorities said John Way left briefly but returned with a rifle and began firing at Cox, who then returned fire; both men sustained injuries as a result.
During evidence collection, approximately two grams of suspected methamphetamine were found in John Way’s clothing. He was booked into the detention center on charges including attempted capital murder (felony), aggravated robbery (felony), possession of controlled substance with purpose of delivery (felony), simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms (felony), possession of firearms by certain persons (felony), and criminal trespass (misdemeanor). His bond is set at $100,000 and he is scheduled to appear before Circuit Court on May 11.
David Way faces charges of attempted capital murder (felony), aggravated robbery (felony), and criminal trespass (misdemeanor). His bond is set at $25,000 with an appearance also scheduled for May 11.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office operates several community initiatives such as securing funding through donations via its foundation; it maintains separate housing classifications within its detention center; it partners with organizations like the 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force; it has received recognition for public information efforts; and employs five administration staff cross-trained for efficiency—all according to the official website.
