SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - WEEKLY UPDATE 05/02/2025

Good morning,

I hope everyone survived the storms with minimal damage from the straight-line winds. There were several reports of trees down and power outages. I know the power companies are working diligently to restore electricity.

I always try to brag on members of my staff. This week, I want to recognize our 911 dispatchers. Many may not be aware, but we are now a central dispatch, which means the call center handles city and county calls. This may become hectic during high call volumes, and they handle it professionally at all times. Also, these dispatchers are our lifeline in the field. All emergency personnel's lives may be literally in their hands, whether law enforcement, firefighters, or paramedics are responding to a traumatic event. If you see one of these essential workers, please thank them for their service!

This past week, we assisted the Arkansas State Police with vehicle accidents. Like I said in an earlier report, Dallas County has a new ambulance service. Valor Ambulance Service has made a smooth transition, and we are glad to have them serving the citizens of Dallas County.

 We continue to monitor drug activities throughout our county. My message is the same: the money is good right now, but the retirement plan is not so much!

I'm happy to report we had no significant issues at the Cottonbelt Festival last weekend. There were a couple of misdemeanor arrests, but nothing major. I want to thank the Fordyce Police Department for their long hours to ensure everyone's safety!

We've just finished with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. We were glad to be able to turn in 87.5 pounds of unused prescription drugs. This is a great program that we are proud to be able to participate in every day. We have a drop box in the Sheriff's Office lobby, accessible to the public 24/7. The goal is to provide citizens with a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted medication. We are committed to helping prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction, as well as drug-related violence. If you have any expired or unwanted medicines, please drop by our office and put them in the green box located in the lobby. We will dispose of them safely.

Mr. Kerry Simmons has been busy this week. He and his workers helped to return the courthouse area to normal after the Cottonbelt festivities. They have been hard at work on Highway 7 North and then turned around and concentrated on Highway 7 South. They have covered many miles in just a few days.

Let's move on to Felony Friday:

Vaughn, Tony of Camden; FPD Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms

Childs, Shanetta of Fordyce; Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Herndon, Gerricka of Camden; Contempt Failure to Pay

Ewing, Deon of Little Rock; Failure to Appear

Hall, Evonne of Fordyce; Aggravated Assault

Brown, Makel of Fordyce; FPD Battery and Fleeing

Childs, Ja'christopher of Fordyce; FPD Contempt Failure to Pay

Ray, James Derek of Fordyce; Parole Violation

Hines, Stacy of Duluth; Speeding and Failure to Appear

Cox, Mandreak of Desoto; FPD Driving with Suspended DL and Contempt Failure to Pay

Frazier, Bernice of Hampton; Felony Failure to Appear

Staples, Elijah, of El Dorado; Failure to Appear

Lawrence, Erica, of Little Rock; DWI, Failure to Maintain Control, and Public Intoxication

Davis, Justin, of Fordyce; Failure to Appear

Davis, Sylvia, of Fordyce; Driving with Suspended DL, No Liability Insurance, and Contempt

Failure to Pay

I hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Stay safe!

Sheriff Mike Knoedl