The Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has joined a national initiative today casting an electronic dragnet aimed at online child predators.

  “Operation Broken Heart” is a coordinated strike force of specially trained police officers from 3,000 law enforcement agencies working nationwide over the next thirty days to arrest as many child predators as possible.

  “Every department or agency represented on the Arkansas task force has already demonstrated a remarkable record dedicated to guarding Arkansas children,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police.  “I’m hopeful that by joining forces with law enforcement agencies nationwide over the next thirty days some of the most dangerous predators will be apprehended.”   

  Law enforcement officers across Arkansas representing thirty-five state, county and city agencies and departments, along with eight federal partner agencies, comprise the Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  

  The operation will concentrate on offenders who (1) possess, manufacture, and distribute child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the commercial sexual exploitation of children (child prostitution), and (4) engage in child sex tourism (traveling abroad for the purpose of sexually abusing foreign children).

  State – County and Local Agency/Department Task Force Members:

• Arkansas State Crime Laboratory
• Arkansas Attorney General’s Office
• Arkansas State Police
• Bella Vista Police Department
• Benton County Sheriff’s Office
• Bentonville Police Department
• Cabot Police Department
• Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
• Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office
• Fayetteville Police Department
• Fort Smith Police Department
• Garland County Sheriff’s Office
• Grant County Sheriff’s Office
• Greenwood Police Department
• Hot Springs Police Department
• Jonesboro Police Department
• Little Rock Police Department
• Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office
• Madison County Sheriff’s Office
• Miller County Sheriff’s Office
• Mountain Home Police Department
• Mountain View Police Department
• Perry County Sheriff’s Office
• Pine Bluff Police Department
• Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
• Rogers Police Department
• Russellville Police Department
• Sherwood Police Department
• Springdale Police Department
• Van Buren Police Department
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office
• 2nd Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office
• 5th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office
• 12th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office
• 15th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office

Federal Partners:

• United States Air Force (OSI-LRAFB)
• United States Attorney’s Office (East & West)
• United States Department of Homeland Security
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• United States Marshals Service
• United States Navy (NCIS)
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• United States Probation Office (East)

  Lieutenant Bryan Davis, 47, of Alma has been promoted to the rank of captain and will assume duties as commander of Arkansas State Police, Highway Patrol Division, Troop H (Fort Smith).

  Captain Davis is a twenty-four year veteran of the department and most recently has served as assistant Troop H commander.

  The commander’s promotion and three others were approved today by the Arkansas State Police Commission based on recommendations presented by Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police.

  Trooper First Class Todd Quick, 45, of Little Rock, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

  Sergeant Quick is a seven year veteran of the department and most recently has served in patrol assignments within Highway Patrol Division, Troop A.  Sergeant Quick will assume duties as a Troop A post supervisor.

  Corporal Lorie Ring, 46, of Sheridan, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

  Sergeant Ring is a fifteen year veteran of the department and most recently has served in patrol assignments within Highway Patrol Division, Troop K.  Sergeant Ring will assume post supervisor duties within Highway Patrol Division, Troop B.

  Corporal Bobby Brown, 44, of Russellville, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

  Sergeant Brown is an eighteen year veteran of the department and most recently has been assigned to the department’s Executive Protection Section.  Sergeant Brown will assume post supervisor duties within the Highway Patrol Division, Troop H.

Additional Information Contact:
ASP Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead
(501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov

  As the summer travel season begins, so does a two-week long enforcement effort by Arkansas State Police and other law enforcement officers who will be on the lookout for violators of the Arkansas primary seat belt and child passenger safety laws.

  Beginning May 19th and continuing through June 1st state and local law enforcement agencies in Arkansas will participate in a nationwide Click It or Ticket mobilization. 

  As people take to the roads to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement officials across the nation will be working to ensure that everyone buckles up.

  “Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kick-off of summer vacation season,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police.  “While patrolling the highways enforcing state traffic laws, State Troopers will be watching carefully for anyone violating safety belt laws.”

  According to new data released from the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities were up nationwide in 2012 for the first time in five years with more than 10,000 people killed not wearing their seat belts.  The same data also indicates that more than sixty percent of the passenger vehicle occupants died in crashes occurring at night between the hours of 6 PM – 5:59 AM and the victims were not wearing seat belts.

  In Arkansas, 226 unbelted vehicle occupants died in 2012.  Many of those deaths could have been prevented if occupant restraints had been used.

  “There are too many people dying on our roadways, and many of those deaths could have been prevented if people had taken the simple step of wearing their seat belts,” said Colonel Witt.”  “We are determined to help bring these numbers down and that’s why we will be handing out tickets, not only during these mobilizations, but anytime a violation is seen, year round.”

  For more information on Click It or Ticket, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.  For more on the ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign, visit www.TZDarkansas.org

  Corporal Alvernon Rogers and Special Agent Matt Roberson were presented awards today recognizing them as Arkansas State Troopers of the Year.  The pair was among a group of nine State Troopers receiving the most esteemed honors bestowed annually by the Arkansas State Police during the department’s annual awards ceremony.

Corporal Rogers of Bryant is a twenty-five year veteran of the department and is currently assigned to the State Police Administrative Services Division, Recruiting Section.   Corporal Rogers is credited with establishing a network of recruit liaisons at state universities, colleges, military installations, and among local community leaders.  The award also recognizes Corporal Rogers for his impeccable work while representing the department at statewide events and for his voluntary role as an instructor at the Louis Bryant Troopers Coalition Boys Summer Camp and his tireless efforts supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Christmas program.   Corporal Rogers was also presented the department’s Distinguished Meritorious Service Award for his voluntary work devoted to humanitarian causes, in particular those involving children and his career-long devotion to distinguished representation of the Arkansas State Police.   S/A (Corporal) Roberson of Warren is a nine year veteran of the department and is currently assigned to the State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Company B.   S/A Roberson is a veteran of the Iraq War and is an active supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, helping raise awareness and enlist public support across Arkansas helping injured military servicemen return to active and productive civilian life.    Over the past four years S/A Roberson has devoted innumerable hours of his own time arranging for wounded warriors to join him on all expense paid duck hunting trips.  He is also active in his local community as a youth baseball coach and accompanies local youths on church mission trips.  Through the course of his career S/A Roberson has proven to be an invaluable credit to the department and has repeatedly demonstrated his readiness to assist local law enforcement agencies in his assigned Troops and Company.

  S/A Roberson was also awarded the State Police Medal of Valor for his role in a 2013 White County SWAT operation involving a barricaded suspect who used gunfire in an attack on state and local officers.

  Captain (retired) Steve Coleman of Greenwood was awarded the department’s Distinguished Meritorious Service Award.

  As a former commander of Troop H (Fort Smith), Coleman was recognized for his cumulative thirty-three years of service as an Arkansas State Trooper.  In particular Coleman was recognized for his work coordinating law enforcement and public safety operations outside the grounds of a week-long music festival held annually which attracts more than 20,000 people worldwide into Franklin County.

  Coleman was also recognized for assisting the Scott County Sheriff’s Department last year following the drowning death of Sheriff Cody Carpenter and his continuing support to county officials in the aftermath of the deadly flood.

  Coleman is also credited with outstanding service during the 2005 airlift operations that brought more than 10,000 Hurricane Katrina refugees into Arkansas and his work in dispersing the refugees to relief camps established across Arkansas.

  Special Agent (Corporal) Mark Brice of Conway County, a fourteen year veteran of the department assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, Company E, was presented the State Police Meritorious Service Award for his persistence in what began as a missing person case reported by the Perry County Sherriff’s Department.  Following an extended investigation S/A Brice began to suspect the victim may have been murdered and eventually developed information that directed him to three suspects and a site where the body of the missing woman had been dumped.

  More than a year after opening the case, the cumulative testimony and investigative file developed by S/A Brice were credited with leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

  Troopers (First Class) James Avant and Brandon Cook were presented the Arkansas State Police Trooper’s Cross for their demonstration of courage during an armed confrontation and shooting incident at a Garland County residence.

  TFC Cook and Avant are seven and six year department veterans respectively and were assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop K (Hot Springs) when they answered the call to assist local authorities.  While approaching the front door of the residence the two troopers and a sheriff’s deputy were confronted by an individual who leveled a gun at the troopers and refused to follow their orders to drop the gun.  Necessary force was used by the troopers so they could make their way inside the home to rescue a woman being held by the gunman.

  Three Arkansas State Troopers were recognized for their human compassion and awarded the departmental Lifesaving Award.

  Trooper Benjamin Hoyt, a four year department veteran from Vilonia, was recognized for his selfless act of courage attempting to rescue an individual threatening to commit suicide by jumping from a river bridge.  During the rescue attempt, the individual was precariously close to the edge of the bridge leaving Trooper Hoyt to place his own life in peril as he quickly pulled the person from imminent danger.

  Sergeant Darren Neal, an eighteen year department veteran from Prescott, is credited with saving the life of a woman at a rural Nevada County restaurant who had choked while eating.  Sergeant Neal recognized the woman was not breathing and implemented the Heimlich maneuver which cleared the victim’s airway.

  Sergeant Eric Agee, a sixteen year department veteran from Conway, saved the life of woman he found sitting on the guard rail of a river bridge.  As Sergeant Agee moved closer to the woman and began talking to her, it became apparent the woman was edging her way off the rail and contemplating suicide.  In a final desperate attempt to save the woman, Sergeant Agee lunged for the woman, risking his own life, pulling her to safety.

  Wesley Jackson, of Wynne, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for contacting an Arkansas State Trooper in the immediate aftermath of a local bank robbery.

  The Distinguished Service Award is presented to citizens or law enforcement officers of another department who may assist the Arkansas State Police in the apprehension of a criminal or who lend assistance in such a way that it may place the individual in imminent danger.

  Jackson had noticed an individual walking away from the bank and was able to provide a detailed description of a man he believed might be the suspected bank robber.  Jackson was also able to provide an accurate description of the truck he saw the suspect drive away and the direction of the suspect’s travel out of town.

  The information provided by Jackson guided State Troopers directly to the suspect’s get-away route and in a matter of only minutes resulted in the arrest of the robbery suspect.

  (LITTLE ROCK) - The Arkansas State Police Commission has approved the recommendation for promotion of Corporal Kevin Richmond to the rank of sergeant.  The promotion was recommended by Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police during a meeting of the commission earlier today.        

  Sergeant Richmond, 51, of Fayetteville, is a twenty-four year veteran of the department.  Sergeant Richmond will remain in his present assignment with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Company D headquartered at Fort Smith; however he’ll assume supervisory duties within the company. 

  Arkansas State Troopers are searching for a Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX that may have been driven from the scene of a hit and run highway crash along Highway 365 in northern Pulaski County earlier this week.

  Jimmy Bowman, 47, of North Little Rock sustained serious injuries as the result of being struck by a hit and run driver shortly 9:45 PM Wednesday evening (June 4th).

  Bowman was riding a bicycle along State Highway 365, also known as MacArthur Drive, near the intersection with Mundo Road when he was struck.

  The Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX is believed to be a 2102 or 2013 model year vehicle and its color may be metallic red.

  The vehicle was last seen leaving the area of the crash scene along MacArthur Drive traveling south toward North Little Rock.  Troopers and Special Agents of the Criminal Investigation Division suspect the vehicle may have damage to the right-front fender and possibly the right passenger door.  The vehicle will also be missing the right passenger door mirror housing.

  Anyone with information pertaining to the crash or the whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police by calling (501) 618-8100.

  (LITTLE ROCK) - Arkansas State Police arrested a North Little Rock man last night in connection with a hit and run crash which occurred earlier this week and left a local man who had been riding a bicycle seriously injured.

  State Troopers received a tip from a citizen late Friday (June 6th) giving them the location of the vehicle that was believed to have struck the bicyclist along MacArthur Drive Wednesday evening (see State Police news release at http://asp.arkansas.gov/news-releases/detail/state-police-searching-for-vehicle-involved-in-hit-run-case).

  Clyde Cook, III, 35, of 7371 River Point Drive, North Little Rock was taken into custody and charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident, battery in the 1st degree and driving on a suspended license.   He was incarcerated at the Pulaski County Jail.

  The Arkansas State Police continue to work with local authorities in the investigation of a double homicide reported to Cotton Plant (Woodruff County) Police this morning about 6:30 AM.

  Cotton Plant Police reported that one victim was found inside the home at 321 Ash Street, the other was outside the residence.

  Special Agents of the department’s Criminal Investigation Division have been at the crime scene in Cotton Plant much of the day.

  Meanwhile identification has been completed confirming the names of the two victims as Audrey Vaughan, 19 and Howard Chapel (age unknown), both residents of the Ash Street residence.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – Twenty-eight Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits graduated tonight during ceremonies at the Arkansas State Capitol.

  The recruits received the Oath of State Trooper Commission from the Honorable Clinton K. Jones, Washington County, District Judge.

  The recruit class initially reported for duty on January 20th this year.  Each class member has accumulated 1,044 hours of classroom studies and practical training. The recruits are eligible for 41 college credit hours toward a Criminal Justice degree from Black River Technical College at Pocahontas.

  Governor Mike Beebe was the keynote speaker addressing the graduates and Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, presented the new troopers their commissions.

  Other dignitaries present included representatives of the Arkansas State Police Commission and State Police Division, Troop and Company commanders.

  Graduates of the 2014 class are:

•  Travis L. Eddleman, 31, of Aubrey (Lee County), who served as 2014-A Recruit Class Leader, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop B, Sharp County.  Recruit Eddleman is a graduate of Arkansas State University and a U.S. Army veteran.

•  Kyle W. Bost, 33, of Little Rock, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop A, Pulaski County.  Recruit Bost is a graduate of the University of the Ozarks (Clarksville) and is a U.S. Army veteran.

•  Jacob T. Boswell, 23, of Harrison, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden County.  Recruit Boswell is a graduate of the University of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, Missouri).

•  Patrick A. Claggett, 27, of Lowell, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Logan County.  Recruit Claggett is a U.S. Army veteran.

 •  Rodney E. Davenport, 28, of Brinkley, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Monroe County.

•  Levi A. Fleming, 23, of Mountain Home, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Phillips County.  Recruit Fleming is a graduate of Arkansas State University.

•  Joseph F. Gilliland, 31, of Yellville, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop I, Marion County.  Recruit Gilliland is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.

•  Logan G. Hall, 24, of Jonesboro, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden County.

•  Justin Wayne Harmon, 22, of Searcy, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Union County.

•  Kevin P. Helm, 28, of Melbourne, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Jefferson County.  Recruit Helm is a graduate of Ozarka College in Melbourne.

•  Nathan L. Holder, 26, of Pindall (Searcy County), will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden County.    Recruit Holder is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.

•  John Brandon Howington, 25, of Bryant, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Arkansas County.  Recruit Howington is a U.S. Navy veteran.

•  Jason Hutcheson, 50, of Lead Hill (Boone County), will be assigned to Highway Patrol, Troop I, Searcy County.

•  Kyle M. Johnson, 24, of Russellville, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop J, Van Buren County.

•  Michael A. Lance, 33, of Mena, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Scott County.  Recruit Lance is a graduate of Valor Christian College in Columbus, Ohio.

•  Stephen R. Lee, 30, of Sherwood, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop A, Pulaski County.  Recruit Lee is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, Louisiana) and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

•  Paul A. Meeks Jr., 24, of Atkins, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop J, Van Buren County.  Recruit Meeks is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.

•  Christopher B. Neathery, 23, of Gurdon, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop G, Nevada County.  Recruit Neathery is a U.S. Army veteran.

•  Jacob D. Pack, 23, of Atkins, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop J, Conway County.  Recruit Pack is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.

•  Zachary H. Paschal, 27, of Batesville, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, Poinsett County.

•  Justin A. Pool, 22, of Dardanelle, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Desha County.

•  Matthew G. Ritchie, 30, of the Sardis community (Pulaski County), will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop A, Pulaski County.  Recruit Ritchie is a graduate of Arkansas State University and a U.S. Army veteran.

•  Wade Schanzlin, 36, of Camden, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Ouachita County.  Recruit Schanzlin is a graduate of South Arkansas University Tech.

•  Randall W. Schwab, 24, of Fayetteville, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden County.  Recruit Schwab is a graduate of the University of Arkansas.

 •  Ryne G. Shelton, 23, of Dierks, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop G, Lafayette County.  Recruit Shelton is a graduate of Henderson State University.

•  Christopher M. Short, 34, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop G, Howard County.  Recruit Short is a graduate of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

•  Timothy Starson, 25, of Fort Smith, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, Mississippi County.  Recruit Starson is a graduate of Arkansas State University.

 •  Matthew D. West, 23, of Wynne, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, St. Francis County. 

  Special recognition and awards were presented to the recruits who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:

•  Academics

1. Recruit Travis Eddleman
2. Recruit Matthew Ritchie
3. Recruit Jacob Boswell

•  Physical Fitness

1. Recruit Timothy Starson
2. Recruit Stephen Lee
3. Recruit Jacob Boswell

•  Firearms

1. Recruit Kyle Bost
2. Recruit Logan Hall
3. Recruit Randall Schwab

  Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certified departmental Field Training Officer (FTO). Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective FTO for a twelve-week transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.

  (BOONEVILLE) - Arkansas State Troopers are investigating a hit and run fatality collision that claimed the life of a Booneville woman last night (Tuesday, June 17th).

  Joy Duvall, 50, was struck by a vehicle as she walked southbound along the northbound shoulder of State Highway 23 approximately one-half mile south of Highway 10.  Duvall was pronounced dead at the scene.

  State Troopers assigned to the Highway Patrol Division and Special Agents of the Criminal Investigation Division have questioned residents who live in the area where Duvall was seen walking before she was struck.

  Duvall was wearing a light color tank top, denim shorts and athletic shoes.  She was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound along Highway 23 about 9:50 PM.

  The Arkansas State Police is asking for anyone with information about a vehicle seen leaving the area of the hit and run scene in Booneville to contact State Police, Troop H Headquarters at Fort Smith by calling (479) 783-5195.

  Jason Rhodes, 37, of Booneville, was arrested by Arkansas State Police today in connection with the hit and run pedestrian fatality of Joy Duvall earlier this week.

  Duvall, 50, was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by Rhodes Tuesday night (June 17th).  Duvall was walking southbound along the northbound shoulder of State Highway 23 approximately one-half mile south of Highway 10 when she was struck.  Duvall was pronounced dead at the scene.

  Arkansas State Troopers assigned to both the department’s Highway Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division began their investigation of the death shortly after it was reported about 9:50 PM Tuesday.  Late Wednesday, State Troopers located a 2009 GMC Acadia which is the vehicle believed to have been driven by Rhodes Tuesday night.

  Rhodes was arrested by Special Agents of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division and taken to the Logan County Jail at Paris.  He is charged with negligent homicide and failure to stop after an accident with injury or death.  The investigation is continuing.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – The summer travel season is already underway and many Arkansans are preparing to be on the road during the Fourth of July holiday.  Unfortunately these celebrations can take a tragic turn when a person decides to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or ignore the posted speed limit.

  In order to promote safer travel, the Arkansas State Police and other state and local law enforcement agencies will join forces in a special crackdown targeting drunk driving and speeding violations beginning June 28th and continuing through July 14th.

  “The Fourth of July has proven to be one of the deadliest holidays on Arkansas highways and in many instances, drunk driving has been the cause of these deaths,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Arkansas State Police Director and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “We want everyone to drive sober and obey the posted speed limit.  That’s why we’re focusing on the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ and ‘Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine’ campaigns during this holiday period.”

  Law enforcement agencies across the state will increase sobriety checkpoints and speeding patrols as part of the two week enforcement operation.  Officers are prepared to arrest drunk drivers and ticket speeders to ensure roadways are safer.

  “Safety is our primary concern, not just for drivers and passengers, but for others on the road such as pedestrians and workers in construction zones,” said Colonel Witt. “We hope all Arkansans have a great summer and holiday, but we are asking everyone to drive responsibly.”

  There were 552 traffic fatalities on Arkansas roadways during 2012.  Twenty-six percent, or 143 of those fatalities involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.  Speeding was a contributing factor in 76 of the total fatalities or almost 14 percent.

  The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office recommends that everyone buckle up and drivers should always obey the posted speed limit.  Anyone who plans to consume alcohol should designate a sober driver before traveling.   Calling a friend or taxi for transportation after consuming alcohol is another safe way to avoid an arrest or worse, being involved in a deadly crash.

  The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office and runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.” For more information on the campaigns, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDarkansas.org.

Additional Information Contact:
ASP Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead
(501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov

Earlier news release

  The suspect was arrested by Boone County deputies shortly after 3 PM today near Bergman, north of Harrison. 

(Click on image for larger size)
 

Additional Information Contact:
Ann Whitehead – Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office
(501) 618-8133     ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov

  (LITTLE ROCK) – For many Arkansans the Labor Day holiday is an extended weekend that includes backyard cookouts and celebrations enjoyed with friends and family.  Unfortunately the holiday is often marred with tragedy and death caused by drunk drivers traveling across state roads and highways.

  Starting on August 15th and continuing through September 1st, state and local law enforcement officers will be aggressively targeting their patrols in search of drunk drivers.  The enforcement plan is part of a nationwide effort designed to stop drunk driving and save lives.  The Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will pair increased public awareness with high visibility law enforcement, resulting in fewer drunk drivers getting behind the wheel of a vehicle endangering themselves and others.

  Across the nation during calendar year 2012 there were 10,322 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.  Over the Labor Day weekend that same year, almost 40 percent of all traffic fatalities involved drunk driving.

  “These grim facts should speak for themselves, but the message hasn’t gotten everyone’s attention yet,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Arkansas State Police Director and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.  “That’s why the Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement will be joining the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.  There will be no tolerance, no excuses.”

  During the calendar year 2012 there were 552 traffic fatalities on Arkansas roadways.  Twenty-six percent, or 143 of those fatalities, involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

  “Drunk driving is totally preventable and inexcusable,” said Colonel Witt.  “We’re hopeful that Arkansas drivers will get the message and take some simple steps to prevent this kind of tragedy.”

  The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office reminds drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver if they plan to consume alcohol.  Calling a friend or using a taxi or some form of public transportation can save lives.

  For more information on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths, One is Too Many campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDarkansas.org.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – The Arkansas State Police Commission has approved the recommendation for promotion of Lieutenant Forrest Marks to the rank of captain effective September 1st.  The recommendation for promotion was presented by Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police during a regular monthly meeting of the commission today.

  Lieutenant Marks, 44, of Hot Springs is a nineteen year veteran of the department and was assigned as assistant commander of Highway Patrol Division, Troop K and more recently serving as acting commander of Highway Patrol Division, Troop G.

  Effective with the official promotion date, Lieutenant Marks will assume the rank of captain and duties as Troop G commander. 

As of 12:30 PM – Sunday, August 17^th

  All roadblocks in and around Hoxie have been removed with the exception of Highway 67 south of Highway 63 and Highway 67 at the intersection with Highway 230.  Roadblocks at these two locations will remain active for up to three days while railroad crews remove wreckage.

  Highway 91 remains open as an alternate route for motorists traveling to Walnut Ridge and the Hoxie area.

  Most of the evacuees removed from their homes earlier today have been allowed to return.

_________________________

  At approximately 3 AM today (Sunday, August 17th) Arkansas State Troopers were notified of a collision inside the community of Hoxie (Lawrence County) involving two Union Pacific freight trains.

  The collision has claimed the lives of two individuals and left two persons injured.  All are believed to be among the crews onboard the freight trains.

  As a precautionary measure a large number of Hoxie residents have been evacuated.  The evacuees have been directed to the Walnut Ridge Community Center.

  Officials of the Union Pacific Railroad report both trains have toxic chemical cargo.

  A fire involving one of the train engines was reported still burning at daybreak, however it is not believed to be threatening any of the toxic cargo.

  Motorists traveling along U.S. 67 through Lawrence County should anticipate a detour onto Highway 91 east of Hoxie.  All highways leading into Hoxie are now blocked by Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement personnel. 

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the murder of a Monroe County man outside his home yesterday (Thursday, August 21st).

  The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department contacted State Police about 3:45 PM Thursday as they began a search for Dustin Heath Burrow, 29, of Brinkley.

  Burrow has since been charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery in the shooting death of his father, Carl Lynn Burrow, 62, of 772 Burrow Lane west of Brinkley and the robbery at gunpoint of his grandmother, Vaudean Burrow.

  Burrow’s body was discovered in a barn located on the Burrow property.

  Arkansas State Police and other law enforcement agencies are searching for Burrow who may be driving a 2007 year-model Chevrolet SK1 brown pick-up truck, displaying Arkansas license plate, 534 KTB.  Burrow is described as a white male, 5' 7" tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair, and blue eyes.

Anyone who may see Burrow or know his whereabouts should contact the nearest Arkansas State Police office or their local law enforcement agency.

  Dustin Heath Burrow, 29, of Brinkley, charged with Capital Murder and Aggravated Robbery is in custody.

  A Little Rock man and Alexander woman were fatally wounded last night when two individuals entered an Alexander residence and began shooting.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police were contacted by Alexander police officers who requested the State Police to take charge of the investigation.

  The victims have been identified as Joe Thomas Dickinson, 40, of Little Rock and Patricia Tucker, 54, of Alexander.

  At approximately 11:45 PM local police officers were notified of a shooting inside a residence at Vine Street and Highway 111.

  Witnesses say more than twenty people were inside the home when two men entered and began shooting.

  No other injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.

  State Police Special Agents are working to identify the two suspects.

  Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, answered the the ALS “Ice Bucket” Challenge today and raised more than $1,000 in answering the challenge from Colonel Tracy Trott , Director of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

  Tickets were sold for $1 and purchased by Arkansas State Troopers and civilian staff.  The tickets were used in a drawing to select the employee to empty the bucket of ice-water onto Colonel Witt.

  Colonel Witt has forwarded the ALS “Ice Bucket” challenge to Mike Knoedl, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Chief Ron Burks of the Arkansas Highway Police, Ken Jones, Director of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, Cheryl May, Director of the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute and Ray Hobbs, Director of the Arkansas Department of Correction.