ASP “rules of the Road” Campaign Aims to Help Arkansans Make Safer Decisions Behind the Wheel

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is launching a new statewide public safety initiative, “Rules of the Road,” a video series designed to help Arkansans better understand common traffic laws and best driving practices on Arkansas roadways. The campaign debuts today, with the first video focused on what drivers should do when being…

ASP Icac Task Force Arrests Texarkana Teen on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

TEXARKANA, Ark. — On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), in coordination with the FBI, ASP Company C, and the Miller County SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at a home in the 8000 block of Old Harrison Chapel Road in Texarkana. The search warrant stemmed…

Increased Speed Enforcement Begins July 10 — Drivers Reminded: Obeying Speed Limits Save Lives

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — From July 10 through July 31, State and local law enforcement agencies across Arkansas will participate in the national Speeding Slows You Down high-visibility enforcement campaign, increasing patrols and enforcement efforts to reduce speeding-related crashes and save lives.Speeding remains one of the leading contributors to traffic fatalities in the United States. In…

Ouachita County Chief Deputy Collector Charged in Theft

July 2, 2026CAMDEN, Ark. — Ouachita County Chief Deputy Collector Erica Johnson has been charged with Theft of Property, a Class D felony, following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division. The investigation, which began in January at the request of 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Rogers, revealed that Johnson, 33,…

State News: Lake Village Bookkeeper Charged in Theft

LAKE VILLAGE, Ark. —  On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested Debra Chandler, 57, of Lake Village, on two felony counts of Theft of Property. In December 2025, at the request of Tenth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain, ASP CID initiated a theft investigation…

STATE NEWS: ASP Seizes 190 Pounds of Marijuana During Traffic Stop on I-40

Brinkley, Ark. —  Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers seized 190 1-pound bags of illegal marijuana during a traffic stop Monday, June 22, 2026, on Interstate 40 at the 217-mile marker in Monroe County. Around 6 a.m., Troopers stopped a black Chevrolet Silverado for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers discovered the marijuana…

ASP Investigating Fatal Shooting in Ashdown

ASHDOWN, Ark. — At the request of the Ashdown Police Department (APD), special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating a fatal shooting in Ashdown. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at around 6:30 a.m., officers with the APD and the Little River County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in the…

Arkansas State Fire Marshal Dennis Free Announces Retirement

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ─ The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management announced that State Fire Marshal Dennis Free will retire effective July 1, concluding a distinguished career marked by dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Free’s service to the State of Arkansas spans 45 years in fire protection and prevention. He spent 26…

Suspects Fleeing With Children in Their Vehicles Face Serious Consequences

Because of outrage over recent incidents in which suspects fled from law enforcement with children in their vehicles, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Col. Mike Hagar is calling on parents and caregivers to think first of the safety of the children in their care and pull over. “As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making…

Stay Alert Online: ASP Emphasizes Child Safety During Internet Safety Month

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is encouraging parents, caregivers, and communities across the state to strengthen their approach to protecting children online. Historically, the largest increases in online enticement cases occur during the summer months and the beginning…

Arkansas State Crime Laboratory Receives International Honor

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) has been recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Foresight Maximus Award, an international honor presented to top-performing forensic laboratories operating at 90% or better of peak efficiency during the reporting year. Presented during the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Annual Symposium held May 17…

Arkansas Fire Fatalities Rise Sharply in 2026

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ─ The state is experiencing a troubling rise in fire-related deaths this year. As of today, Arkansas has recorded 28 fire fatalities, already surpassing the 27 deaths reported by this time in 2025. This early increase highlights a growing public safety concern that requires immediate attention. In 2025, only 14 percent of…

ASP Cid Investigating Officer-involved Shooting Near Pinnacle Mountain State Park

ROLAND, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday, May 25, 2026, in Pulaski County involving Arkansas State Park Rangers Around 6:15 p.m., Pulaski County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a possible medical emergency at a residence in the 22000 block of State…

Missouri State Highway Patrol Asks for Help With 1999 Cold Case

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Criminal investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the suspicious death of Justin Hocutt, 14, of Seligman, MO. The death was initially investigated in 1999, and recently, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Patrol’s assistance in investigation. Hocutt…

ASP Foundation Honors Three Troopers for Courage and Service at Annual Awards Ceremony

BENTON, Ark. — Three Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers were jointly awarded the prestigious Arkansas State Police Trooper of the Year Award for 2025 during the annual ASP Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Arkansas State Police Foundation at the Benton Event Center. Trooper Ethan Hiland, Trooper First Class Brady Nuckels, and Trooper First Class Jacob Price…

Seat Belts Save Lives! Buckle up May 18 – 31, and Every Day

LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) and Arkansas law enforcement are urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs…

Adlest Celebrates Grand Opening of New Training Facility on East Camden Aleta Campus

EAST CAMDEN, Ark. — The Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) today celebrated the grand opening of a new training facility at the East Camden campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). The new building marks a significant expansion of the existing campus and a substantial investment in the future of…

THE BIG HATS HAVE BIG NEWS: Applications now being accepted for Troop Class 2027-A

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —  There has never been a better time to be an Arkansas State Trooper, and we’re seeking qualified men and women ready and willing to serve the State of Arkansas with integrity, courage, and professionalism, while building a career that makes a real difference.  Today, we launch a two-month recruitment window for…

ASP Icp Honored at Hidta for Record Seizures, Officer of the Year Recognition

BILOXI, Miss. —The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Interstate Criminal Patrol (ICP) was honored with multiple top awards at the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Awards in Biloxi on April 28, 2026, including Agency of the Year and Officer of the Year. The ICP team was recognized as the 2025 Agency of the Year…

State News: Prosecutor Rules Officer Justified in Fatal Shooting

TEXARKANA, Ark. — Eighth South Judicial District Prosecutor Connie Mitchell has determined that law enforcement officers were justified in the use of deadly force in connection with an April fatal shooting of a Texarkana man. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigated an officer‑involved shooting that occurred Sunday evening, April 12, 2026, east…

Don’t Risk It on 4/20: Drive High, Get a DWI

LITTLE ROCK – Ahead of April 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and local law enforcement are reminding drivers that it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. On “4/20” — a day associated with marijuana — some might observe increased marijuana use.…