Harrison Man Accused of Break-Ins

A Harrison man is accused of breaking into a church and multiple residences and attacking and threatening a Boone County deputy.

Forty-year-old Donnie Upky is currently free from the Boone County Jail and Detention Center after posting bond.

According to one probable cause affidavit from the Harrison Police Department, an officer was dispatched last Sunday to Red Oak Baptist Church on U.S. Highway 65 in northwest Harrison, and a church representative stated it had been broken into around 3 that morning. The officer reviewed surveillance and forwarded an image of the subject to a Boone County deputy, who later identified the male as Upky. The deputy told the officer he had been arrested around 6:30 last Sunday morning and was being held in the Boone County Jail and Detention Center at the time.

Upky is reportedly seen dragging a wooden mallet to the front entrance on the footage and using it to break the glass before entering the church. He later allegedly broke four exterior glass double doors, two windows, a vending machine and a steel exterior door. Upky reportedly lost his hat and half of his false teeth, and both were recovered at the scene. Boone County authorities state he had the other half of his teeth as he was being booked.

Upky had already been booked after a deputy was dispatched to a residence north of Harrison on Garden Court. The resident stated a male was attempting to break into his home. The deputy later observed a male, identified as Upky, walking around the side of the residence and appearing to be agitated.

Upky reportedly refused to answer when the deputy asked him what he was doing. When the deputy attempted to place him in handcuffs, Upky allegedly grabbed the body cam and portable radio microphone in the center of the deputy’s bullet-proof vest, and his fist then reportedly connected with the deputy’s chin. After several minutes of fighting, the deputy eventually was able to place Upky under arrest.

While on the scene, it was determined Upky had allegedly entered another residence just northwest of Red Oak Baptist Church on Antique Court. The resident stated he was awakened by a male inside yelling he needed a lighter, but he left when confronted by the resident. Upky reportedly did not take anything from the residence.

While in route to the jail, Upky allegedly threatened the lives of the deputy and his family repeatedly. Upon arrival, he reportedly threatened harm and death to any jail officer or deputy he had contact with. Upky allegedly fought with jail staff until he was placed in the a holding cell.

The arresting deputy had injuries to his right hand, right knee and back during the arrest. He was treated at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and released.

Upky faces felony counts of commercial burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, two counts of breaking or entering, second-degree battery and terroristic threatening and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. He is scheduled to appear in Boone County Circuit Court on Tuesday.