(LITTLE ROCK) – Lieutenant Charles Hubbard has received the approval of the Arkansas State Police Commission to be promoted to the rank of captain and assume duties as a Highway Patrol, Troop F commander.  The recommendation of promotion was presented to the commissioners by Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police during a regular monthly meeting of the commission today in Little Rock.

  Troop F is headquartered at Warren and serves much of south central and a portion of southeast Arkansas.

  Hubbard, 41, of Baxter County, is a nineteen year veteran of the department and most recently has served as assistant troop commander of Highway Patrol Division, Troop I headquartered at Harrison.

  The promotion and new duty assignment is effective immediately.

  Arkansas State Troopers have seized a record amount of methamphetamine during an arrest along Interstate 40 earlier this week.  Troopers discovered 276 pounds of methamphetamine valued at an estimated $10-million dollars (retail/street value) inside the cargo trailer of a commercial carrier truck stopped along Interstate 40.

  The seizure from the cross-country shipment is believed to be the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in Arkansas law enforcement history.

 State Police on Monday afternoon (March 30^th) patrolling Lonoke County in the area of Kerr Road and Interstate 40 (eastbound) noticed a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of the highway.  A trooper approached the truck to check the driver’s wellbeing.

 During a conversation with the driver the trooper was given permission to inspect the cargo trailer where the methamphetamine was subsequently located.  The methamphetamine was in both liquid and crystal form.

 The truck driver is identified as Javier Leon-Garcia, 53, of Moreno, California.  Garcia is charged with trafficking a controlled substance and is being held in the Lonoke County Jail (no bond).

 “This case is indicative of what continues to be the escalating threat from methamphetamine and its ravages on Arkansas families,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.  “Our State Troopers will continue to be vigilant in their efforts to seize illegal drugs and arrest those who produce and distribute narcotics.”

 State Troopers have been assisted in the investigation by the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Department, Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

  (LITTLE ROCK) – State Troopers and local law enforcement officers will be watching more closely in the coming days for drivers who violate the Arkansas texting law.  The statewide crackdown by law enforcement officers is scheduled for April 13^th – 19^th and is part of a national high visibility campaign known as “U Drive U Text U Pay”.

  The campaign combines intense enforcement of laws that prohibit texting while driving with advertising and media outreach to inform the public about the stepped-up patrols and the driver’s responsibility to obey texting laws.

  “Texting while driving is illegal and irresponsible,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.  “I believe the strict enforcement of the no texting while driving law is vital if we’re going to keep Arkansas highways and roads safe.”

  Arkansas law prohibits the use of a cell phone for texting, typing, email or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver’s age.  It is also a “primary offense law,” which means a police officer or sheriff’s deputy can initiate a traffic stop without observing any other violation.  For the first offense, a driver can be issued a warning ticket, but for subsequent violations fines can range as high as $100.

  Drivers should be aware of additional state laws related to distracted driving. It is illegal for all drivers to use hand-held cell phones while traveling through school or highway work zones.   All drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.  And, drivers 18 to 20 years using a cell phone are required to use a hands-free device.

  “Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving,” said Colonel Bryant.  “That’s why State Troopers and other law enforcement officers will be out in force across Arkansas during the crackdown in an effort to reduce the threat of injury or death that may be caused by drivers who violate the texting law.” 

  For more information on distracted driving issues, visit www.Distraction.gov, 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) – Arkansas State Police Special Agent Scott Russell has been promoted to the rank of sergeant assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Company A.

  Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, presented the recommendation for promotion to the State Police Commission during a regular meeting of the commissioners today.

  Sergeant Russell, 48, of Phillips County, is a ten year veteran of the State Police and most recently has been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division as an investigator in east Arkansas.

  The promotion and new duty assignment is effective immediately.

  Arkansas State Troopers and civilian investigators of the State Police Crimes Against Children Division are being credited with locating and recovering a fifteen year old girl who had been sexually exploited while being held in a human trafficking operation.

  The arrest of Amber Johnson, 28, of North Little Rock last Wednesday night (April 29^th) at a south Little Rock motel has become part of a larger human trafficking investigation.  The investigation has identified a second teenager who was the victim of human trafficking and sexual exploitation at locations in east Arkansas.

  State Troopers and CACD investigators also recovered two children, ages two and three, who had been kept in the Little Rock motel room with the teenage girl.

  “The credit goes to the State Troopers who initially had little to work with; only allegations of a runaway child somewhere in Arkansas being held against her will at an unknown location,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.  “The troopers reached out to others in this department who possess specialized training and together they devoted themselves to rescue a child lost in the vicious world of human traffickers.”

  “Arkansas should be proud of the outstanding response by the Arkansas State Police on this case,” stated David T. Resch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock FBI Field Office.

  Presently the State Troopers assigned to the State Police Highway Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division and civilian investigators of the Crimes Against Children Division are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney relating to the Little Rock arrest.

  Earlier today a request for assistance from the Grant County Sheriff’s Department was received by the Arkansas State Police.

  The initial information from sheriff’s deputies reported Donald C. Thomas Jr., 47, of the Clearwater Lake area east of Sheridan had contacted local authorities stating he intended to set fire to a home at 762 West Clearwater Lake Drive.

  As sheriff’s deputies and local firemen arrived at the home they found the structure burning.  A short time later sheriff’s deputies stated at least one gun shot was fired at them, reportedly by Thomas.

  The Arkansas State Police SWAT and Crisis Response Teams were dispatched to the area.  By mid-afternoon negotiations were established with Thomas inside a nearby out-building on the residential property.  Thomas refused to surrender to state or local authorities.

  At approximately 5 PM today the State Police SWAT team fired tear gas into the out building causing Thomas to exit the building and to be taken into custody.

  An investigation of the incident is continuing tonight and Thomas is currently held at the Grant County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault.  The continuing investigation may result in additional charges. 

  An eleven year veteran of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department was shot and killed early today as he and other sheriff’s deputies were searching for a burglary suspect  fifteen miles east of Clarksville.  At approximately 1AM this morning (Friday, May 15, 2015) the sheriff’s department received a telephone report of a suspected burglar in the area of County Road 1723.  As deputies searched the area at approximately 2:30   AM, Reserve Deputy Sonny Smith 42, of Clarksville confronted an individual identified as Fred Kauffeld who allegedly shot Smith. Deputy Smith returned gunfire and Kauffeld was taken into custody.  Kauffeld sustained minor injuries.Smith was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Kauffeld is being detained at the Pope County Detention Center while an investigation is continuing.  The investigation is being handled by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – Corporal Vic Coleman, a twenty-nine year veteran State Trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol Division, Troop A, Interstate Criminal Patrol Team was awarded the department’s Trooper of the Year Award (2014).

  The award was presented by Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, during the Annual Arkansas State Police Awards Luncheon.  Also attending the ceremony were members of the Arkansas State Police Commission.

  Corporal Coleman is recognized nationally among highway patrol interdiction officers for his expertise in identifying criminal suspects transporting large quantities of narcotics and other illegal substances across U.S. and state highways.  His criminal patrol interdiction investigations have opened new leads in numerous federal investigations.

  During 2014 Corporal Coleman seized a total of 833 pounds of marijuana, 22 pounds of cocaine, 4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 3 pints of codeine and $246,866 in cash connected to illegal narcotics trafficking.

  Corporal Coleman is also known for exhibiting exceptional human compassion by using his own financial resources to assist travelers passing through Arkansas who may not have the means to buy food or lodging or paying for a tow truck when their vehicle is disabled along the highway.

  Also receiving awards today were:

  Medal of Valor Award

  Trooper Buster Rinks - On October 17, 2014 Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Trooper Buster Rinks, along with Searcy County Deputy Lang Holland responded to a call in reference to a man with a gun at Serenity Farms Restaurant in Leslie, Arkansas.

  Trooper Rinks and Deputy Holland were aware the scene was volatile and involved possible hostages; however the two officers entered the business fully aware that this action could place them at peril of death or grave bodily harm.  After entering the building Deputy Holland observed a man with a gun in close proximity to a potential hostage.

  Deputy Holland ordered the man to drop the weapon and at that point the man pointed his weapon at Deputy Holland and fired.  The bullet struck Deputy Holland in the hip, Trooper Ricks quickly responded with return fire at the armed gunman, which provided cover fire for the injured deputy.

  When Deputy Holland perceived the subject was intent on inflicting further harm, he also returned fire.

  Following the gun battle, Trooper Rinks quickly secured the wounded suspect and then administered first aid to Deputy Holland as well as the wounded gunman.  The gallant efforts of Trooper Rinks and Deputy Holland in the Serenity Farms incident safeguarded local citizens and deterred an armed gunman intent on causing harm.

  Sergeant Ben Cross & Corporal Christopher Goodman - On October 24, 2014 at approximately 8:35 p.m. Sergeant Ben Cross was patrolling on State Highway 7 north in Russellville when he observed a vehicle travelling northbound driving erratically.  The vehicle which had been reported stolen fled north into Dover and then traveled approximately 10 miles east on State Highway 27 before turning into a private drive.

  As the driver exited the car and fled on foot a female passenger was taken into custody.

  A perimeter was established and a manhunt ensued.  Sergeant Ben Cross received the assistance of the North Central Unit of the Arkansas Department of Correction, which consisted of Lieutenant Steven Lively, Sergeant Kyle Moody and Sergeant Heath Branscum.

  Along with the ADC personnel, Sergeant Cross and State Police Corporal Chris Goodman proceeded on foot to locate the suspect who was found hiding in tall, thick grass and briars more than 1,000 feet from where the search began.

  As the suspect raised one hand he reached for a gun with the other and began to point it in the direction of the search team that had assembled at the site.  Officers fired on the suspect mortally wounding him.

  Distinguished Meritorious Service Awards

  Special Agent Larry J. Carter is assigned to the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Company E (Pope County). 

  S/A Carter opened twenty-six criminal cases and closed ten during 2014, including six death investigations that included five different homicides.  He assisted other Company E agents with seven additional death investigations.

  In addition to his duty assignments during 2014, S/A Carter developed new leads and located important evidence involving a four year old homicide case that subsequently resulted in the arrest of a suspect.

  Corporal Dwight Lee is assigned to the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop H headquartered at Fort Smith.  He serves on the department’s Honor Guard detail and is also a certified Field Training Officer who has been assigned to innumerable new State Police Trooper Recruits.

  During his career Corporal Lee has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to detecting and arresting impaired drivers.  Between 2011 – 2014 Corporal Lee removed from the highway by arrest 558 impaired drivers.

  Corporal Olen Craig is a thirty-three year veteran of the Arkansas State Police assigned to the department’s Highway Patrol Division, Troop H headquartered at Fort Smith.

  Corporal Craig has seized a record amount of illegal narcotics being shipped across Arkansas.  His cumulative record of drug seizures includes more than 5.5 tons of marijuana, thirty-six pounds of methamphetamine, seven pounds of heroin, 342 pounds of cocaine and more than $2-million dollars in cash associated with narcotics shipments.

  Corporal Mike Nelson has been assigned to the Arkansas State Police Administrative Services Division, Training Section since 2008.

  Corporal Nelson currently serves as the Assistant Lead Drill Instructor for troop school and has assisted in training and mentoring over 276 Arkansas State Police recruits and assists with in-service training for all state police commissioned personnel. 

  Corporal Nelson has served on the SWAT team since 2004 and currently serves as the assistant lead explosive breacher.  In October of 2014, Corporal Nelson was one of two Arkansas State Police Troopers who served as keynote speakers at the International Explosives Breacher’s Conference attended by more than 400 individuals world-wide.

  Civilian Employee of the Year

  Janet Chappelle is a thirty-one year veteran of the Arkansas State Police.  She is assigned to the department’s Administrative Services Division.

  Among Chappelle’s primary duties is the responsibility to plan and coordinate the Arkansas State Police Commissioned Officers promotional testing procedures and to assist the division commander and State Police Director during the interview and hiring process of State Police Recruits.

  During the most recent promotional testing cycle, Chappelle devoted more than 130 hours during the final two-week preparatory process.

  Chappelle is recognized among her peers and State Police commanders for her institutional knowledge of the Arkansas State Police, particularly its administrative processes.  She is also instrumental in the administration of the State Police uniformed and retiree insurance services.

  Distinguished Service Award Recipients

  Jason Rozanski & Charlotte Rackley

  On Monday, February 24, 2014 the State Police received a report of a vehicle that had left the highway along Interstate 40 and was quickly being submerged in a nearby creek.

  Jason Rozanski and Charlotte Rackley both witnessed the crash, stopped and jumped into the frigid waters of the creek, pulled the driver from the vehicle, moved to safety and initiated life saving measures.

  Lang Holland III - Searcy County Sheriff’s Deputy

  On October 17, 2014 Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Trooper Buster Rinks, along with Searcy County Deputy Lang Holland responded the report of an armed gunman inside Serenity Farms Restaurant in Leslie, Arkansas.

  Upon arriving outside the restaurant Trooper Rinks and Deputy Holland entered the business fully aware their lives would be in extreme risk.  Deputy Holland was first to encounter the gunman and ordered him to drop the gun.

  The suspect ignored the order and instead fired on Deputy Holland striking him in the hip.

  Trooper Ricks took up a position to offer cover fire for Deputy Holland to secure a safe position.

  As the gun battle ended, Trooper Rinks secured the wounded suspect, then administered emergency first aid to Deputy Rinks and the gunman.  The gallant efforts of Trooper Rinks and Deputy Holland safeguarded local citizens and stopped the gunman’s intent on causing further harm or death.

  Lieutenant Steven Lively, Sergeant Kyle Moody & Sergeant Heath Branscum – Arkansas Department of Correction

  On October 24, 2014 at an Arkansas Department of Correction search team joined Arkansas State Troopers (Sgt.) Ben Cross and Chris Goodman as the two troopers established a perimeter around a stolen car from which a fugitive had escaped into a nearby thicket.

  Moving into an area about 1,000 feet from where the car was abandoned, the Troopers and ADC personnel encountered the suspect who raised a gun leaving the lawmen no recourse but to open fire mortally wounding the suspect.

  Arkansas Department of Correction Lieutenant Steven Lively, Sergeant Kyle Moody and Sergeant Heath Branscum are to be commended for their selfless act of courage to enter the search perimeter and serve alongside the State Troopers to locate the fugitive despite the threat of personal harm.

  Danny Martin - Nevada County Sheriff, Joey Beavers - Prescott Assistant Police Chief & Cody McClure - Prescott Police Patrolman

  On December 29, 2014 Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin, Prescott Assistant Police Chief Joey Beavers and Prescott Police Patrolman Cody McLure coordinated with Arkansas State Trooper Darren Henley to stop a vehicle and apprehend an individual who was suspected in the abduction of a fourteen month old Houston, Texas child.

  The fugitive was taken into custody without incident and the child was returned to family.

  Official Commendations presented to Arkansas State Police personnel during the course of 2014:

• Special Doug Estes
• Sergeant (S/A) Mike Dawson
• Corporal Arthur Raff
• Corporal Bobby Clemence
• Trooper (First Class) Michael Bowman
• Trooper Darren Henley
• Crimes Against Children Area Supervisor, Michelle Gatlin
• CACD Investigator Katherine Finnegan
• Chief Telecommunications Specialist Mary Jo Saling
• Corporal Jimmie Thomas
• Trooper Steven Roberts
• Special Agent Kevin Brown
• Special Agent Ted Jones
• Special Agent Scott Pillow
• Special Agent Wendall Jines

  The Arkansas State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred last night (May 19th) in Cabot.  The incident occurred as authorities of the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Department and Arkansas Department of Community Correction were searching for an individual.

  While questioning a 35 year old man at 905 East Main Street it was determined the individual was the subject of outstanding warrants.  The man was placed into custody and held in a law enforcement vehicle.

  Initial statements provided to Special Agents of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division indicate the local law enforcement officers and ADCC officers reported gunshots coming from inside the car and returned fire striking the individual who had moments earlier been taken into custody.

  The wounded individual was taken to an area hospital where he was later died.  The identity of the individual is being withheld pending confirmed notification of next of kin.

  No law enforcement or ADCC personnel were injured

  State Police Special Agents along with State Police Highway Patrol Troopers have worked through the evening into the early hours of today gathering evidence and questioning witnesses.

  The investigation is continuing and upon completion will be provided to the Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney for consideration.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
ANN WHITEHEAD
ARKANSAS STATE POLICE HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE
(501) 618-8133 - ANN.WHITEHEAD@ASP.ARKANSAS.GOV

  (LITTLE ROCK) – An observational survey conducted across Arkansas during 2014 indicates that one out of every four motorists in Arkansas is not using a seat belt.  The use of seat belts by Arkansas motorists stands at 74% compared to a national average of 87%.

  “A seat belt has proven to be the single most effective piece of safety equipment drivers and passengers can use to avoid death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.  “Sadly, the numbers indicate that people still aren’t getting the message about seat belt use.”

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration preliminary statistics for the calendar year 2014 show there were 466 traffic fatalities in Arkansas. Of those traffic fatalities, 333 were motor vehicle occupant fatalities, over half of which were not using seat belts.

  “While the loss of one life is one too many, we are concerned that some lives could have been saved had the drivers or passengers been buckled-up,” Colonel Bryant stated.

  The Arkansas State Police and other state and local law enforcement agencies are committed to strictly enforce the seat belt law, not only during the days leading up to and during the Memorial Day holiday, but throughout the year as a means to reduce the incidents of fatalities on Arkansas roads and highways.

  The annual Click It or Ticket law enforcement mobilization is already underway and will continue through May 31^st as law enforcement officers statewide join together to enforce the seat belt law.  Arkansans will also notice an intensified media campaign emphasizing the importance of buckling up when traveling in a motor vehicle.

  “It’s not about issuing tickets, it’s about saving lives,” said Colonel Bryant.  “We keep working toward the day when everyone is buckled up and we can celebrate zero preventable traffic deaths in Arkansas.”

  The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office urges everyone to buckle up, every trip, every time, especially during the upcoming holiday when more motorists will be on the road.

  Arkansas state law requires that all front seat passengers, not just drivers, be buckled up. It requires all children under fifteen years of age to be properly secured in the vehicle.  A child who is less than six years of age and who weighs less than sixty pounds should be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. If the driver has a restricted license, all passengers in the vehicle must be properly buckled up.

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

Arkansas State Troopers Kyle Bost (left) and Stephen Lee at news conference today with Colleen Nick, mother of Morgan Nick who disppeared 20 years ago.

  The Arkansas State Police joined Governor Asa Hutchinson along with federal and local law enforcement agencies today in a pledge to keep the search active and bring Morgan Nick home.

  Morgan was abducted from a baseball field in Alma, Arkansas on June 9, 1995.

     Colleen Nick, Morgan’s mother, says she has never lost hope and will continue to fight every day to keep the search active and share the story of Morgan’s disappearance wherever she can

     As the 20^th anniversary of Morgan’s disappearance nears, a new statewide campaign is being launched in an effort to bring Morgan home.  The elements of the campaign include:

          • New billboards featuring an age progressed photo of Morgan asking the public to call National Center for Missing
            and Exploited Children at (800) THE LOST (800-843-5678) to report any information about the abduction.

         • Secretary of State Mark Martin has agreed to light the top of the Capitol dome in pink, Morgan’s favorite color, during
           the month of June in an effort to remind Arkansans about the 20 year search for Morgan.

 

  The Arkansas State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting incident that occurred in Crawford County along Interstate 49 near the 32 mile marker, north of Mountainburg.

  At approximately 6:20 AM today (Monday, June 8^th) an Arkansas State Trooper on patrol along I-49 encountered an individual walking along the southbound shoulder of the interstate highway.

  As the trooper approached the pedestrian, the unidentified man refused to comply with orders from the trooper and became combative with the trooper.

  The pedestrian fled into the traffic lanes and took-up a position on a wooded embankment above the roadway.

  Initial reports indicate that as the state trooper moved into a position to arrest the individual, the pedestrian raised his hand holding a large rock in a threatening manner, leading the trooper to fire his service weapon, wounding the man.

  The pedestrian was transported to a Fort Smith hospital where he is reported in stable condition.

  An investigation of the incident is underway by the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of Professional Standards.  An investigative file will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether deadly force was used consistent with Arkansas laws.

  At this time the identity of the pedestrian is uncertain.

  As prescribed by Arkansas State Police policy, the trooper is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

UPDATED INFORMATION - JUNE 10, 2015 

I-49 SHOOTING INCIDENT REMAINS ACTIVE STATE POLICE INVESTIGATION

  The Arkansas State Police is continuing its investigation of a Monday morning (June 8th) shooting incident along I-49 near Mountainburg.
 
  Arkansas State Trooper Josh Elmore remains on administrative leave with pay while Special Agents of the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Professional Standards continue their independent investigations.
 
  Trooper Elmore, assigned to the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop H in Crawford County, is 27 years old and has been a State Trooper for approximately one year.  State Police policy requires a State Trooper to be placed on administrative leave with pay in the aftermath of using deadly force that results in the wounding or death of a person.
 
  Agents are continuing to assemble forensic evidence, witness statements and audio/video recordings which will be turned-over to Marc McCune, 21st Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.  Prosecutor McCune will review the investigative file to determine whether deadly force used by Trooper Elmore was consistent with state laws.
 
  At approximately 6:20 AM Monday, Trooper Elmore, while on patrol along I-49, encountered Gil Antonio Ramirez Lemus walking along the southbound shoulder of the interstate highway.
 
  Trooper Elmore exited his patrol car and approached Lemus on foot.  Lemus refused to comply with orders directed to him by Trooper Elmore.  Lemus became combative as Trooper Elmore moved toward him.
 
  Lemus fled into the traffic lanes of I-49 forcing traffic to stop and continued to ignore Trooper Elmore’s orders.  As Lemus became combative Trooper Elmore deployed a TASER charge on Lemus who pulled the leads of the TASER from his body and moved to a wooded embankment above the roadway.
 
  As Trooper Elmore approached Lemus standing at the top of the embankment, Lemus raised a hand holding a large rock in a threatening manner, leading the trooper to fire his service weapon wounding Lemus.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE - JUNE 8, 2015

  The Arkansas State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting incident that occurred in Crawford County along Interstate 49 near the 32 mile marker, north of Mountainburg.

  At approximately 6:20 AM today (Monday, June 8^th) an Arkansas State Trooper on patrol along I-49 encountered an individual walking along the southbound shoulder of the interstate highway.

  As the trooper approached the pedestrian, the unidentified man refused to comply with orders from the trooper and became combative with the trooper.

  The pedestrian fled into the traffic lanes and took-up a position on a wooded embankment above the roadway.

  Initial reports indicate that as the state trooper moved into a position to arrest the individual, the pedestrian raised his hand holding a large rock in a threatening manner, leading the trooper to fire his service weapon, wounding the man.

  The pedestrian was transported to a Fort Smith hospital where he is reported in stable condition.

  An investigation of the incident is underway by the department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of Professional Standards.  An investigative file will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney to determine whether deadly force was used consistent with Arkansas laws.

  At this time the identity of the pedestrian is uncertain.

  As prescribed by Arkansas State Police policy, the trooper is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

For additional information contact:
Arkansas State Police-Highway Safety Office
Ann Whitehead (501) 618-8133
ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov

(LITTLE ROCK) – The Fourth of July is a favorite holiday among Americans.  But with summer fun, parades, parties and fireworks, the holiday typically proves to be deadly on streets and highways across the country.

Nationwide there were 199 people killed in alcohol related crashes during the 2013 July 4^th holiday period.

Arkansas State Police Director and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative Colonel Bill Bryant says, “For everyone’s sake, don’t drink and drive.  The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving – no excuses.”

The crackdown on drunk driving during the coming holiday period will involve state, city and county law enforcement officers devoting additional patrol hours beginning today and continuing through July 5^th.  Their target will be the drivers who are impaired and endangering the lives of others traveling on Arkansas roadways.

Drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs should remember they are putting their own life and the lives of others at risk.

Driving impaired can lead to other serious consequences.  Even if no one is killed or hurt, a DWI arrest can lead to jail time, driver license suspension, costly legal expenses, court fines and higher driver insurance rates.

In every state it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher, yet people continue to break the law and drive drunk.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports show that in fatal crashes during the July Fourth period in 2013, more than one-fifth (21%) of involved drivers or motorcycle operators had BAC’s of .15 or higher – almost twice the legal limit.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:

•         Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
•         Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
•         If you have been drinking, call a taxi or a sober friend or family member to ask for a ride home.
•         If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
•         If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.  For more on the ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign, visit TZDarkansas.org.

   Arkansas State Troopers and the department’s civilian employees have received a letter of thanks from the Arkansas Food Bank following the successful donation of 964 pounds of non-perishable food which will be shared with less fortunate Arkansans.

    The food donations amounted to approximately 2,500 assorted items collected over a six-week period beginning in May this year.  On July 10^th the donations were loaded onto an Arkansas Food Bank truck for distribution to 290 food pantries set-up in Arkansas to help disadvantaged individuals and families.

   Estimates from the Arkansas Food Bank indicate enough food was collected by Arkansas State Police employees to produce 803 meals.

   The Food Bank staff has extended their appreciation to Lakesha Smith for her tireless effort in coordinating the State Police food drive.

   At the request of Manila Police Department officials Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are continuing to investigate an overnight shooting incident in the Mississippi County community.

   Timothy Johnson, 41, of Manila was fatally wounded shortly after 8 PM (Tuesday, July 28th) by a Manila Police Officer who had been dispatched to a disturbance at 601 Highway 18.  Initial reports indicate Johnson was holding a knife and advanced toward the officer after reportedly being ordered to drop the knife.

   Johnson’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination and to determine a manner and cause of death.

   The Arkansas State Police will complete its investigation and submit the findings to the prosecuting attorney.

   Questions relating to the identity of the Manila Police Officer and the administrative status of the officer should be directed to the Manila Police Department.

  The Arkansas State Police is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in England (Lonoke County) yesterday (July 30^th) as federal, state and local law enforcement officers attempted to arrest a wanted fugitive.

  At approximately 5 PM Thursday afternoon a U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force along with England Police, Little Rock Police and officers of the Arkansas Community Correction located Lamar Moore at 218 North Washington Avenue in England.  Moore, of North Little Rock, was wanted by Little Rock Police in connection with incidents of aggravated robbery and impersonation of a police officer.

  Initial reports to Special Agents of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division indicate Moore approached the task force with a gun to his head, lowered the gun, and then pointed it at a task force officer.  At least one task force member fired at Moore causing Moore to retreat to a room inside the house.

  Officers reported to State Police that following the initial encounter with Moore a shot was heard inside the house.  A preliminary investigation indicates Moore shot himself.

  Moore was transported to a North Little Rock hospital where he remains.

  An investigation of the incident is continuing.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are assisting Ashley and Drew County authorities investigating the apparent death of Sam Arnold Jr., 41, of Hamburg.

  A Monticello woman is being held in the Drew County Jail and is being questioned today in connection with Arnold's disappearance.

  Arnold’s family filed a missing person report with Hamburg Police on July 27th after he was last seen leaving work at Barnes Mill.

  On Thursday (August 6, 2015) law enforcement officers located a site on private property in Drew County where Arnold may have been murdered.

  The search for the remains of a body is underway today in southeast Arkansas and the investigation of circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Arnold is continuing.

  BLYTHEVILLE — More than 150 Arkansas State Troopers were part of a major arrest operation in Mississippi County today joining with approximately 350 federal agents in the culmination of a two-year long investigation involving alleged drug and guns crimes centered in the Blytheville and Osceola areas.

  Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, David T. Resch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Scott Ellington, Prosecuting Attorney for the Second Judicial District of Arkansas, announced today the simultaneous unsealing of 40 federal indictments charging 70 defendants in a major operation aimed at curbing drug trafficking and gun violence in Blytheville and Mississippi County. The indictments were returned by the Grand Jury on August 5, 2015, and were unsealed today following a coordinated roundup of the charged defendants.

  The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, named Blynd Justus, began in 2013, with a goal to target steadily increasing drug and gun crime in Mississippi County. Early Tuesday morning 574 law enforcement officers, including more than 300 tactical officers, helped execute the arrest warrants in a targeted takedown that resulted in the arrests of 50 defendants on various federal firearm and drug charges, including eleven defendants who were already in state custody. Twenty defendants are now fugitives. Most of the defendants are residents of Blytheville (see attachment for complete list of defendants and charges).

  “When I was confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas five years ago I made a commitment to help clean up the Arkansas Delta,” Thyer said. “It has been evident for some time that drugs and guns are overrunning the entire Arkansas Delta in general, and Mississippi County in particular. Today’s operation is a signal to those criminals that the law enforcement community at all levels will find you and stop you. Our collective goal is to return these communities to their law-abiding citizens. And while the 40 indictments announced today are a huge step toward this goal, our commitment to helping our friends in this part of the state will continue long after today.”

  From January 2014 through June 2015, agents with the FBI and Second Judicial District Drug Task Force coordinated more than 160 controlled purchases of drugs and/or firearms, resulting in the acquisition of more than 19 pounds of methamphetamine and 89 illegally possessed firearms, several of which were stolen. Also, more than 10 ounces of crack cocaine was purchased in the investigation. A majority of the 70 defendants are convicted felons.

  “The arrests that were carried out today show our unwavering determination to disrupt violent gang activity and dismantle illegal sales of firearms and drugs in our state,” Resch said. “Today’s operation, which includes 40 indictments and 70 defendants, combined with the 72 arrests during Delta Blues and the 24 arrests during Delta Crossroads represent the significant commitment of the FBI and the USAO to target violent criminals in eastern Arkansas. We appreciate the concentrated efforts made by our partners, USAO, ATF, U.S. Marshals, DEA, IRS, 2nd Judicial DTF, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug Unit, Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the Blytheville and Osceola Police Departments, and the SE Missouri Drug Task Force.”

  “On behalf of our local law enforcement agencies and the cities of Blytheville and Osceola, I want to thank U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer and FBI Special Agent In Charge David Resch for their commitment to help the good people of Mississippi County take back our community from those destroying it with crime and violence,” prosecuting attorney Ellington said. “Lieutenant Bobby Ephlin, Lieutenant Roy Coleman, Deputy Prosecutor Corey Seats and all the officers of the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force worked hard in conjunction with FBI Special Agent Ed Jernigan to make this operation successful. Sheriff Dale Cook, Chief Ross Thompson and Chief David Gladden deserve thanks for their continued support of the Task Force.

  “Our community is worth fighting for, and I believe in Blytheville and Osceola. Cleaning up this community begins with holding people accountable for their actions. Today, with the help of the FBI and the Arkansas State Police, we took a big step toward taking back our community from the thugs and criminals who choose to sell drugs and guns, rather than contribute to it in a positive manner.”

  This is the third major operation centered in Mississippi County that the United States Attorney’s office for the Eastern District has been involved in since 2013, and the largest. In March 2013, the Grand Jury returned seven indictments naming 19 defendants, and in January 2014, the Grand Jury returned an indictment naming 25 defendants. Delta Blues was an operation centered in Helena-West Helena, and Delta Crossroads was centered in West Memphis. All indictments included multiple drug charges.

  “This type of investigation shows the great teamwork and commitment of the federal, state and local agencies, and the Arkansas State Police in combating drug and gun trafficking in the State of Arkansas,” Arkansas State Police Colonel Bill Bryant said. “All of these agencies combined their assets and resources to disrupt and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations.”

  In addition to the arrest warrants served today, the IRS served two search warrants at properties owned by another individual not indicted, and a financial investigation continues.

  “The role of IRS CI (Criminal Investigation) in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations,” said Christopher A. Henry, IRS Special Agent in Charge. “We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners by providing our financial investigative expertise. Today’s enforcement actions are an example of how the various law enforcement agencies in this district work together to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.”

  The counts in today’s unsealed indictments include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine, use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. (See attached defendant/indictment list)

  Those arrested today will be arraigned in federal court in Little Rock before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2015. Defendants already in custody will be arraigned on August 27, 2015, at 2 p.m.

  The investigation was conducted by FBI, in partnership with the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Blytheville Police Department, the Osceola Police Department and the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office. Agencies assisting in today’s arrest operation include the Arkansas State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Arkansas National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force (SEMO DTF), and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The 40 indictments are being prosecuted by a team of multiple Assistant United States Attorneys, headed by Chris Givens and Kristin Bryant.

  An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

  (LITTLE ROCK) – Two veteran Arkansas State Troopers were promoted to the rank of major today during a regular monthly meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission.

  The division commander promotions and three others were presented to commissioners for consideration by Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police.

  Captain Ron Stayton was promoted to the rank of major.  Stayton, 57, of Pine Bluff, is a thirty-year veteran of the department.  Major Stayton is commander of the State Police Crimes Against Children Division.

  Captain Lindsey Williams was promoted to the rank of major.  Williams, 57, of Searcy, is a thirty-year veteran of the department.  Major Williams is commander of the State Police Regulatory Division.

  Lieutenant David Sims, 55, of Pine Bluff, currently assistant commander of Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop E (Pine Bluff), was promoted to the rank of captain.  He is a twenty-five year veteran of the department.  Captain Sims will assume new duties as Troop E commander.

  Sergeant David Cooper, 45, of Benton, currently a post supervisor assigned to Highway Patrol Division, Troop A (Little Rock), was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.  He is a twenty-year veteran of the department.  Lieutenant Cooper will assume new duties as assistant commander, Highway Patrol Division Troop K (Hot Springs).

  Corporal Jeff Whitlock, 40, of Little Rock, currently assigned to the department’s Office of Professional Standards, was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  He is an eleven year veteran of the department.  Sergeant Whitlock will remain assigned to State Police OPS.