Eureka Springs council member Meyer arrested

Eureka Springs City Council member Harry Meyer has been arrested on felony charges after an investigation into a dispute with a neighbor and a separate incident at Lake Leatherwood City Park.

Meyer, 76, was arrested Friday, March 13, on charges of aggravated assault and first-degree criminal mischief, according to records from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Meyer was later released on a citation and is scheduled to appear in Carroll County Circuit Court on April 6.

The aggravated assault charge stems from a July 13, 2025, incident involving Meyer and his neighbor, Ruth Virginia Seymour, who lives across the street from him on Cross Street.

The case drew public attention last year when Seymour told the Eureka Springs City Council that Meyer had struck her with a vehicle during a neighborhood dispute. The matter was later referred to a special prosecutor to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by Arkansas State Police special agent Jana Cordes, Seymour told investigators Meyer backed his pickup truck toward her while she was standing behind the vehicle, knocking her to the ground.

Seymour placed her hands on the truck bed in an attempt to avoid being struck, but Meyer continued reversing, causing her to fall onto her back, head, neck and shoulders, investigators said. Seymour suffered scratches, contusions and neck pain and was evaluated at Eureka Springs Hospital.

Jim Marple, who was speaking with Seymour on the phone at the time, reportedly called 911 after hearing the incident occur.

A witness who was present in the driveway told investigators she saw Seymour standing behind the truck while Meyer attempted to back out. The witness said the truck bumped Seymour, causing her to fall.

Investigators also reviewed photographs of the scene and partial video from a Ring camera that captured part of the encounter.

Meyer acknowledged backing the truck while Seymour was behind it but told investigators she fell as she stepped backward. He denied intending to harm her.

Authorities said the statements of witnesses, physical evidence and Meyer’s admission that he backed the vehicle established probable cause for the aggravated assault charge.

The criminal mischief charge stems from a separate incident on May 5, 2025, at Lake Leatherwood City Park.

Investigators say Nicholas Anthony Castro of Bella Vista was assisting with an event under a vendor agreement with Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation when Meyer confronted him about loud music being played from speakers connected to Castro’s van.

Castro told investigators Meyer climbed onto the van, unplugged the speakers and damaged the vehicle’s rear doors, which became misaligned and difficult to close. Castro later obtained a repair estimate of $1,170.29.

Witnesses told investigators Meyer yelled about the music and mentioned his position as a city council member during the confrontation. One witness recorded video of the incident.

Meyer admitted unplugging the speakers but denied causing damage to the van or equipment. He told investigators he believed the music violated the city’s noise ordinance and drove to the park to address the issue.

Authorities said the estimated damage exceeded $1,000, qualifying the offense as felony criminal mischief under Arkansas law.

Carroll County Circuit Judge Scott Jackson signed the arrest warrant March 11. Court records show Meyer was released on citation with the condition that he have no contact with Seymour while the case is pending.