UPDATED NEWS RELEASE AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

  The body of a woman found alongside Interstate 40 near Palestine earlier this week has been identified as Amy Darlene Bandy, age 35.

  A commercial truck driver notified Arkansas State Police shortly after 1 AM Wednesday (September 24th) he had seen the body near the 236 mile marker next to the outside highway traffic lane.

  An examination of the body at the Arkansas State Crime Lab indicates Bandy may have been struck by a vehicle and died.

  Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents are working to identify where Bandy had been in the days before her death and develop leads to identify a vehicle that may have struck Bandy.

  Anyone with information about the death of Bandy or who may have known of her whereabouts prior to her death is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop D at Forrest City by calling (870) 633-1454.

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The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered earlier today (Wednesday, September 24, 2014) along I-40 near Palestine east of the rest area at the 236 mile marker.  The body was spotted on the outside lane of the highway by a truck driver who then contacted State Police, Highway Patrol Division, Troop D shortly after 1 AM.

  State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents are working to identify the body described as a white female, 25 – 35 years of age, small in stature, blonde hair and a tattoo on the left arm depicting a rose with the names, Shannon, Samantha and Deanna.

  The woman was wearing blue jean shorts, a lilac colored top.  Justin cowboy boots were found near the body.

  The manner and cause of death will be determined by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.

  Anyone with information about the death of the woman or who may suspect they know the victim, please contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop D at Forrest City by calling (870) 633-1454.

  Lieutenant Mike Hagar, 41, of Conway was promoted to the rank of captain today during a meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission.  The recommendation for promotion was presented to the commission by Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police.

  Captain Hagar is an eighteen year veteran of the department with more than ten years of service assigned to the department’s Executive Protection Section where he most recently served as acting commander.

  Captain Hagar will continue his duties as commander of the State Troopers assigned to the specialized operation of protecting the governor, his immediate family and dignitaries who may be visiting the office or governor’s mansion.

  John T. Kolata, 75, of Searcy County is hospitalized at a Little Rock hospital along with a Searcy County Sheriff’s Deputy.  Both were wounded during an exchange of gunfire inside the Serenity Farm Bread store located in Leslie earlier today (Friday, October 17, 2014).

  The store is located at U.S. Highway 65 approximately one quarter mile south of State Highway 66.

  About 11:15 AM Searcy County sheriff’s department deputies and a State Trooper responded to the store following reports of an armed man holding two hostages inside the store.

  Kolata reportedly began shooting as a deputy entered the store.  The deputy and a State Trooper returned fire striking Kolata.

  The wound to the deputy is not believed to be life threatening.  Kolata was in surgery at UAMS late this afternoon.

  The State Trooper was not injured.

  State Police Special Agents are leading the criminal investigation which will be submitted to the local prosecuting attorney for review.

  Questions relating to the administrative status or identification of the Searcy County Deputy should be directed to the sheriff’s department.

  The Arkansas State Police Office of Professional Standards is reviewing the shooting incident and in accordance with State Police policy the State Trooper is on paid administrative leave.  The name of the State Trooper will be released following an initial assessment of the OPS review.

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(Initial news release_12:37 PM_Friday, October 17, 2014)

Arkansas State Troopers are on the scene of a shooting incident near Leslie in Searcy County.

 Two people have been wounded; one of them a sheriff’s deputy and both are being airlifted from the scene following what had been initially reported as a hostage situation.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation will conduct an investigation of the incident.

  Later today an updated news release will be made to provide additional information.

  An Arkansas State Trooper on patrol duties in Pope County last night (Friday, October 24th, 8:35 PM) attempted to stop a passenger vehicle in Russellville along Arkansas Highway 7 (north).

  The driver, later identified as Bobby Shane Patrick, 27, refused to stop the vehicle and fled from the State Trooper traveling about ten miles east along State Highway 27 where he abandoned the car. .Patrick was seen fleeing the area on foot with a handgun.

  Inside the vehicle State Police found a passenger identified as Brooke Haley Beard, 24, of Russellville.  Beard is presently on probation from Yell County for drug possession and hindering apprehension or prosecution.  Beard was taken into custody and turned-over to Pope County authorities.

  The vehicle driven by Patrick had been reported stolen one month ago in Dardanelle.

  During the course of the search for Patrick, State Police learned Patrick was wanted on warrants for parole violation, drug possession and failure to appear. 

  Shortly after 2 AM today State Troopers and officers of the Arkansas Department of Correction (Calico Rock Unit) tracking dog team spotted Patrick in tall grass not far from where he had abandoned the stolen car.

  As the search team confronted Patrick he raised a handgun at officers who then fired their weapons killing him.

  No State Troopers or ADC personnel were injured.

  A State Police investigation of the shooting is underway involving both the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Professional Standards.

  An investigative file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney to consider if the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers was consistent with Arkansas laws.

  As prescribed by State Police policy, State Troopers involved in the shooting incident have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the review by Special Agents of the Office of Professional Standards is underway.

  The names of the Troopers involved will be released upon completion of the OPS review.

  Any questions relating to the identity or administrative status of ADC personnel should be directed to the Arkansas Department of Correction.

  Dwight L. Moody, 88, of Delight (Pike County), has been identified as the driver of a vehicle that struck a student who had exited a Kirby School District bus earlier this week in Pike County.

  Jazmin Hernandez, 12, of Glenwood died at a Little Rock hospital after being airlifted from the scene (Monday, October 27^th) near Salem along U.S. Highway 70.

  Moody was driving a Ford Explorer westbound when he struck Hernandez.  Dorothy Moody, 84, also of Delight was an occupant in the truck.

  An investigative report prepared by the Arkansas State Police was submitted today to Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Chesshir who is reviewing the report for purposes of considering criminal charges that may be filed against Moody.

  A copy of the Arkansas State Police Preliminary Fatal Crash Summary involving the school bus stop death can be found at:

  http://www.asp.state.ar.us/fatal/index.php?do=view_reports&accident_number=349&year_rec=2014

  UPDATE - OCTOBER 31, 2014

  The Arkansas State Police was notified this afternoon (Friday, October 31, 2014) that John T. Kolata, 75, of Searcy County, had died.

  Kolata was the gunman involved in the October 17^th hostage and shooting incident inside the Serenity Farm Bakery located in Leslie.

  Kolata had remained hospitalized at a Little Rock hospital since being transported by air ambulance following the shooting.  His body is being transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination and autopsy.

  A Searcy County Sheriff’s Deputy was wounded by Kolata in an exchange of gunfire as the deputy and an Arkansas State Trooper entered the bakery.

  The Arkansas State Police investigation of the shooting is continuing and will be submitted to the Searcy County prosecuting attorney to determine if deadly force used by law enforcement officers was consistent with Arkansas laws.

______________________________________

  John T. Kolata, 75, of Searcy County is hospitalized at a Little Rock hospital along with a Searcy County Sheriff’s Deputy.  Both were wounded during an exchange of gunfire inside the Serenity Farm Bread store located in Leslie earlier today (Friday, October 17, 2014).

  The store is located at U.S. Highway 65 approximately one quarter mile south of State Highway 66.

  About 11:15 AM Searcy County sheriff’s department deputies and a State Trooper responded to the store following reports of an armed man holding two hostages inside the store.

  Kolata reportedly began shooting as a deputy entered the store.  The deputy and a State Trooper returned fire striking Kolata.

  The wound to the deputy is not believed to be life threatening.  Kolata was in surgery at UAMS late this afternoon.

  The State Trooper was not injured.

  State Police Special Agents are leading the criminal investigation which will be submitted to the local prosecuting attorney for review.

  Questions relating to the administrative status or identification of the Searcy County Deputy should be directed to the sheriff’s department.

  The Arkansas State Police Office of Professional Standards is reviewing the shooting incident and in accordance with State Police policy the State Trooper is on paid administrative leave.  The name of the State Trooper will be released following an initial assessment of the OPS review.

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(Initial news release_12:37 PM_Friday, October 17, 2014)

Arkansas State Troopers are on the scene of a shooting incident near Leslie in Searcy County.

 Two people have been wounded; one of them a sheriff’s deputy and both are being airlifted from the scene following what had been initially reported as a hostage situation.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation will conduct an investigation of the incident.

  Later today an updated news release will be made to provide additional information.

  The body of a man identified as James Thomas Lovelady, 44, of Little Rock was discovered shortly before 7 AM today near Pinnacle Mountain State Park.  Two women walking along an area off Highway 300 discovered the body and contacted authorities.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division spent most of the morning at the scene in western Pulaski County collecting evidence and speaking to a woman at Lovelady’s home who identified herself as his fiance’.

  Lovelady was the subject of a missing person report filed with Little Rock Police yesterday.

  Lovelady’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where an autopsy will be conducted next week to confirm a manner and cause of death.

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  (LITTLE ROCK) – During a meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission today, two lieutenant promotions recommended by Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police were approved.

  Sergeant Rick Neill, 46, of Pulaski County was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  He is an eighteen year veteran of the department.

  Lieutenant Neill will remain in his current assignment inside the department’s Executive Protection Section.

  Sergeant Jeff Sheeler, 47, of Pulaski County, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  He is a sixteen year veteran of the department.

  Lieutenant Sheeler will remain in his current assignment within the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop A.

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

   (LITTLE ROCK) – Arkansas State Troopers are joining forces with other state and local law enforcement officers over the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday.  The unified effort is directed toward seat belt law violators. 

   The “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign during the holiday period begins November 24^th and continues through November 30^th.

   “The Thanksgiving holiday is among the busiest of travel periods both in Arkansas and across the nation,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.  “State Troopers and other law enforcement officers will be working overtime to ensure the highways and streets are safe by strictly enforcing the laws, including the Arkansas mandatory seat belt law.”

   There were 301 traffic deaths nationally during the 2012 Thanksgiving reporting period.  Sixty percent of the passenger vehicle occupants who died were not wearing seat belts.  In Arkansas, during the same holiday reporting period, ten people lost their lives and 201 people were injured. 

   According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during calendar year 2012 seat belts saved more than 12,000 lives nationwide.

   Research indicates that with proper seat belt use, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

   “The numbers tell the story, buckling up saves lives,” said Colonel Witt. “Whether you’re driving across the state or across town, wearing your seat belt is one of the best ways to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.”

   An intensified enforcement emphasis will be noticed along Interstate 40 during the most heavily traveled hours of the Thanksgiving holiday.

   “The Arkansas State Police will partner with several other states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and North Carolina during the ‘I-40 Challenge’ which is an additional enforcement effort designed to protect motorists along the I-40 corridor,” Colonel Witt remarked.

   Troopers in the participating states will be assigned to every 20 mile segment of Interstate 40 during peak travel hours.

   For more information on the Click It or Ticket campaign, 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.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – Twenty-four Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits graduated tonight (Thursday, November 20, 2014) during ceremonies at the Arkansas State Capitol.

  The recruit candidates were assembled from a group of applicants already commissioned as local law enforcement officers employed at police and sheriff’s departments across the state.  Average cumulative service among each of the recruits totaled seven years.

  The class initially reported for duty on September 7^th this year and accumulated 786 hours of classroom studies and practical training.  Because of each class member’s previous commission and training, the class syllabus was designed to accommodate an accelerated curriculum with emphasis on State Police policy and procedures.  The recruits are eligible for 25 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.

  Judge Robert W. McCorkindale, II, 14^th Judicial District Circuit Judge (retired) (Boone County) administered the Oath of Commission.

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

  Graduates of the Arkansas State Police 2014-B Troop School are:

     •  Josh Elmore, 26, served as 2014-B Recruit Class Leader and will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Crawford County.

     •  Chris Barnett, 28, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Jefferson County.

     •  Ronnie Boyd, 42, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop L, Madison County.

     •  Lance W. Coffman, 24, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden County.

     •  Jason L. Fagan, 35, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, Poinsett County.

     •  Deric Franks, 35, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop I, Fulton County.

     •  David M. Harrell, 35, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Lincoln County.

     •  Asa N. Ladd, 24, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, Craighead County.

     •  Sor Lee, 30, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop L, Madison County.

     •  Nathan A. Litty, 26, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Sebastian County.

     •  Lonnie Moore, 36, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop J, Johnson County.

     •  Aaron B. Morphis, 30, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop C, Greene County.

     •  John Parker, 33, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Ouachita County.

     •  John A. Pryor, 43, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Drew County.

     •  Seth C. Race, 28, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop J, Yell County.

     •  Paul G. Robson, 31, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop K, Pike County.

     •  Thomas R. Sweeney, 25, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Crawford County.

     •  Greg Tebbetts, 41, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop B, White County.

     •  Rodney Villiger, 43, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop I, Izard County.

     •  Brent A. Walker, 29, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop G, Lafayette County.

     •  Cort D. Williams, 35, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop H, Crawford County.

     •  Justin R. Williams, 33, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, Jefferson County.

     •  Mark H. Willis, 52, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop F, Ouachita County.

     •  Cullen Dale Young, 28, will be assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, Crittenden 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 Greg Tebbetts
2. Recruit Cort Williams
3. Recruit Ronnie Boyd

  •  Physical Fitness

1. Recruit Asa Ladd
2. Recruit Josh Elmore
3. Recruit Chris Barnett

  •  Firearms

1. Recruit CullenYoung
2. Recruit Brent Walker
3. Recruit Josh Elmore

  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 transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.

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

 

  (LITTLE ROCK) – Beginning tomorrow the Arkansas State Police will join other state and local law enforcement agencies to make Arkansas highways and roads safer during the holiday season.

  “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a public safety campaign initiative involving state, county and city law enforcement officers across the United States.  It will be implemented during a three-week period encompassing the Christmas and New Year holidays (Friday, December 12^th through January 1^st.)

  "The holiday season should be a time of joy, not a time of tragedy and loss. That’s why Arkansas motorists can expect to see an increase in saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, anytime, anywhere,” said Colonel Stan Witt, Arkansas State Police Director and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.

  “We understand that celebrations are a part of the season, but we ask that the public celebrate responsibly,” said Colonel Witt.  “Drunk driving is a crime that will not be tolerated and law enforcement officers will not accept excuses. If you’re caught driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested and taken to jail.”

  More than 10,000 people are killed each year as a result of drunk drivers behind the wheel of vehicles. This time of year is especially dangerous due to frequent holiday festivities.

  According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the month of December 2012 there were 830 people killed in crashes involving at least one drunk driver or motorcycle operator. On average, a third (31 percent) of all crash fatalities in the United States involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol.

  Drivers are considered to be alcohol impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 grams per deciliter or higher.  During 2012 there were 143 (26 percent) traffic related fatalities in Arkansas involving alcohol impaired drivers.  Fifteen of the fatalities occurred during the month of December.

  Using good judgment and following some simple rules will be your best defense against an impaired driver.  The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office recommends:

• Always plan ahead whenever you expect to consume alcohol.
• Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you have been drinking, call a taxi, take the bus or call a sober friend or family member to get you to your destination safely.
• Promptly report to law enforcement drunk drivers you see on the roadways.
• Always wear your safety belt.
• And if you’re on a motorcycle use protective equipment.

  For more information on the campaign, 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.

 Tumetheus Lestavian Pack, 44, (last known official address) Portland, Oregon, wanted by Houston Police died today at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope of what law enforcement witnesses report was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident.

  The incident occurred about 10:20 AM (Tuesday, December 30^th) during a traffic stop by Arkansas State Police near the 45 mile marker (eastbound) along Interstate 30.

  A woman and three children in the car at the time of the traffic stop were taken from the scene by State Police and were reported to be uninjured.  The youngest of the children is believed to be the subject of a Texas Amber Alert.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – During a meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission today, the positions of two lieutenants and one sergeant were considered for promotions.  The commission followed the recommendations of Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, to promote the following Arkansas State Troopers:

  Sergeant Dennis Overton, 46, of Hot Springs was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

  Lieutenant Overton is a seventeen year veteran of the department and is currently assigned to the Highway Patrol Division administrative office.  He will now command the Arkansas State Interdiction and Criminal Patrol Unit.

  Sergeant Paulette Ward, 44, of Little Rock was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

  Lieutenant Ward is a seventeen year veteran of the department currently serving in the Office Professional Standards.  She will remain in the OPS Unit as its commander.

  Corporal Mike Dawson, 47, of Maumelle was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

  Sergeant Dawson is an eighteen year veteran of the department currently assigned to the State Fire Marshal Office.  He will remain there as a section supervisor.

  The State Police Commission also approved a recommendation to restore the rank of major to Colonel Stan Witt effective next week following an oath of office ceremony for newly appointed State Police Director Bill Bryant.  In August of 2012 upon his appointment as Director of the Arkansas State Police, Colonel Witt held the rank of major and was commander of the department’s Administrative Services Division.

 Two men are dead following a law enforcement officer involved shooting incident outside an England residence this afternoon (Friday, January 9^th).

  At the request of authorities within the England Police Department, Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the shooting.  The investigation will be submitted to a prosecuting attorney for consideration.

  At approximately 2:15 PM England Police responded to the report of a domestic disturbance involving two men at 422 SE Third Street.

  On the arrival of local police an armed man was standing next to another man lying on the ground.  As officers made attempts to defuse the armed confrontation the gunman was shot.

  The bodies of both men will be transported to the State Crime Laboratory for further examination to assist in the investigation.

  Questions relating to the identity or administrative status of any officers involved in the shooting should be directed to the England Police Department.

  An Arkadelphia man is dead following an early morning robbery at Jordan’s Kwick Stop Shell, located at 180 Valley Street in Arkadelphia (Caddo Valley area).

  Christopher D. Brown, 24, of 290 Frost Road, Arkadelphia was working as a store clerk when two men entered the store at 4:43 AM today (Sunday, January 25, 2015).  Brown was shot by one of the suspects and pronounced dead at the scene.

  Video surveillance at the store captured images of two suspects entering the store while an accomplice waited outside in a late model four-door Ford Taurus (see attached images).  The vehicle may be gray or a green in color.

  Suspect one, the driver who never exited the vehicle, is believed to be a black male, heavy set, wearing a yellow t-shirt.

  Suspect two (see attached images) is a black male, heavy set, wearing a white t-shirt with a black long sleeve t-shirt underneath, a blue U.S. Polo brand jacket tied around his waist and blue jeans.  Suspect two may have been wearing a work-style boot.

  Suspect three is a black male, skinny, short, wearing a gray hooded zip-up jacket and sagging dark jeans. This suspect was armed with a suspected long barrel revolver.

  Anyone with information about the robbery and murder or offering assistance in the identification of the suspects should call the Arkansas State Police at (870) 777-4641.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Perry County last night that claimed the life of William J. Bates, 31, of Perryville.

  The shooting occurred at the home of brothers Dalton & J.D. Goodman located two miles west of Perryville along State Highway 60.

  Perry County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the call received about 6:20 PM reporting a disturbance at the Goodman home.  One person was taken into custody at the scene by local authorities and charges are pending as the investigation progresses today.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested two Pine Bluff men today (Thursday, January 29th) in connection with the robbery and murder inside an Arkadelphia (Caddo Valley area) store early Sunday morning (January 25, 2015).

  Christopher D. Brown, 24, of 290 Frost Road, Arkadelphia was working as a store clerk when he was shot at 4:43 AM inside the Jordan’s Kwick Stop Shell, located at 180 Valley Street in Arkadelphia.

  James L. Gray, Jr., 36, of 5414 Windham Avenue and Laron Edward Williams, 27, of South Bay Street, both addresses in Pine Bluff, were arrested on charges of Capital Felony Murder and Armed Robbery.

  Both Gray and Williams were taken into custody without incident earlier today in Pine Bluff and are incarcerated at the Clark County Jail in Arkadelphia.

  State Police continue to search for a third suspect in connection with the robbery - homicide.

  Anyone who may recognize the man pictured in this news release is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police at (870) 777-4641.

  State Police Recruiters have begun a search for qualified applicants who want to become Arkansas State Troopers.

  The recruiters are encouraging applicants to submit their medical assessment waiver and initial contact form as soon as possible, but no later than the close of business on February 13^th.

  Recruit applicants can download the medical assessment waiver and initial contact form at the Arkansas State Police web site http://www.asp.arkansas.gov/recruiting/trooper-recruiting

  No initial contact form will be considered without a medical assessment waiver from the applicant’s personal physician stating the applicant is sufficiently healthy to pass the physical assessment test.

  Applicants may also contact their nearest State Police Troop Headquarters or telephone the recruiting hotline at (800) 340-4255.

  Applicant testing to identify a pool of applicants for recruit positions is already underway.  Recruits who are hired will be part of a May 2015 Troop School and graduate during September 2015.

  “Anyone who meets the qualifications to become an Arkansas State Trooper is encouraged to apply,” said Colonel William J. Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.

  Minimum qualifications are:

     · Minimum age of 21

     · U.S. citizenship

     · Valid driver license

     · High School graduate or equivalent

     · Absent of felony convictions

     · No conviction of domestic violence

     · Meet or exceed visual acuity standard

     · No visible tattoos (wearing an ASP uniform)

     · Passing grade on initial screening exam

     · Pass physical, psychological and polygraph examinations

    · Registered with Selective Service or exempt

  Starting salary for State Police Recruits is $34,500 and raised to $36,000 upon graduation.  New Troopers receive two regularly scheduled raises of ten percent each during the first seven and a half years of service which increases the annual salary to $43,560.  The State Police provides health care insurance for every State Trooper, their spouse and children as well as lifetime retirement benefits.

  Each applicant successfully completing the initial testing phase will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination and oral interview. 

  “Our standards are high and not everyone will make it through the application process, said Colonel Bryant.  “The application process, much like the actual job of a trooper, is challenging.  But the long-term rewards are invaluable to anyone who is serious about a law enforcement career.”

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police and U.S. Marshals have arrested the third suspect wanted in connection with the murder of an Arkadelphia convenience store clerk.

  Craig Allen Wade, 24, of Pine Bluff was taken into custody without incident shortly after 2 PM today at a southwest Little Rock motel.  Wade was identified from a photograph circulated through a State Police news release Thursday evening (January 29^th) http://asp.arkansas.gov/news-releases/detail/two-suspects-arrested-in-connection-with-clark-county-store-robbery-murder

  Wade is charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery.  James L. Gray, Jr., 36, and Laron Edward Williams, 27, both of Pine Bluff, were arrested by State Police last week.  Both Gray and Williams face similar charges.

  The three are accused in the January 25^th robbery of Jordan’s Kwick Stop Shell, located at 180 Valley Street in Arkadelphia (Caddo Valley area) and the murder of Christopher D. Brown, 24, of 290 Frost Road, Arkadelphia.  Brown was the lone clerk inside the store when the three entered about 4:40 AM.

  Wade has been transported to the Clark County Jail in Arkadelphia where Gray and Williams are also being held.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have arrested two Clark County Jail employees who are charged with Battery (2^nd degree).

  William D. Sayre, 25, of Nashville and Robert L. Williams, 28, of Arkadelphia were taken into custody today following an investigation that began earlier this week at the request of Blake Batson, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney.

  On or about February 9, 2015 Syre and Williams are accused of the battery of a jail inmate.

  The Arkansas State Police investigation is continuing.  Any questions relating to the administrative status of the two jailers should be directed to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.