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,…
MONTICELLO, Ark. — The drought that has affected Arkansas and surrounding states for more than a year has had an impact on every sector of the region’s agriculture, including timber stands throughout the South. By Ryan McGeeney University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is home to more than 18 million…
The Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Highway Police and the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Office are launching a statewide awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing litter along Arkansas highways. The campaign, set to begin in July, will focus on Arkansas laws requiring waste materials to be securely transported in vehicles. ARDOT said unsecured loads can…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will face new restrictions on certain grocery purchases beginning July 1. Under a federal waiver approved for Arkansas, SNAP benefits may no longer be used to purchase regular, diet or low-calorie soda; candy; fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% real…
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…
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…
Press release submitted by Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain’s office: McGehee, Arkansas — June 9, 2026 — Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain announced today that Johntavious Owens has been sentenced to a total of 720 months (60 years) in the Arkansas Department of Corrections following his conviction for the fatal shooting of Kevin Morgan in McGehee. The…
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…
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…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in two calves in Zavala County, Texas. While there have been no confirmed detections in Arkansas, state officials are urging livestock producers, pet owners, and others who work with animals to remain vigilant…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
By Mary Hightower University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas was still the No. 3 cotton producer in the United States in 2025 despite growing fewer acres than the previous year, and this year, farmers may grow the smallest number of cotton acres in nearly a decade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service…
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…
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…
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…
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…
