HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — The city's interim police chief has been arrested and charged with violating the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act after allegedly refusing a newspaper's request for police records.

Col. Fred Fielder faces a Feb. 22 plea and arraignment hearing on the misdemeanor charge. Helena-West Helena Mayor James Valley served the warrant and made the arrest on Feb. 12. Fielder was later released on his own recognizance.

The arrest comes after The Daily World newspaper asked for the city's incoming and outgoing 911 calls Jan. 9. The city later turned over written logs, but claimed the 911 calls themselves could not be copied because the police department lacked the equipment necessary to do that.

The Daily World filed a court affidavit alleging the violations, arguing that court precedent says police records must be available for inspection at all hours.

Valley said a special judge would be assigned the case. He said the city would pay for Fielder's lawyer.

Fielder has served as the city's police chief since January, when former Chief Vincent Bell retired. City officials say Fielder will hold the office for about six months until they name a permanent successor.