I'm asking everyone to watch the weather this weekend. There is a possibility of strong storms ahead of an approaching front coming in.
I want to start by thanking everyone for their prayers for the Sam May and Penny McClain families during their time of loss. Please continue to pray for them to find comfort and grace. Both of these families have very close ties to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. I'm also asking for prayers for Harold W. Given's family as they deal with their loss this week. I met Mr. Givens when I first came to Dallas County, and we have been friends since the first day we met.
This has been another very productive week here at the Sheriff's Office. Last Friday night, Sergeant Jordan Ables initiated a traffic stop on Jackson Street in Fordyce. After approaching the vehicle, the suspect began to flee at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of Jackson and Holmes Street after striking a large tree. The driver was identified as Jason Jimerson of Fordyce. Pro Med Ambulance service was immediately called to the scene to render medical treatment to the suspect. Mr. Jimerson was transported to Dallas County Medical Center, was taken back into custody after medical clearance, and is currently incarcerated. A search was conducted on the suspect vehicle where a large amount of drugs was located inside the vehicle. (See Photo) Cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, scales, and $1158.00 in cash were seized. This suspect was currently on parole before this incident took place. Another drug dealer off the streets!
Deputy Dusty Walton is currently working with an investigator from Hot Spring County Sheriff's Office concerning damage to multiple deer stands in the northwest part of Dallas County. The suspect is also responsible for damage to a gas line in the area as well. The suspect was subsequently arrested Tuesday afternoon and remains in jail at this time. Apparently, the suspect was highly intoxicated and riding around randomly tearing down deer stands. At this time, we know he has been responsible for close to $4000.00 worth of damage to the deer stand and gas pipeline. This case is a result of good investigative work, along with assistance from another agency.
Captain Keith Axsom and I responded to a fire at the Pine Cove Apartments with the Fordyce Police Department after being notified there was a deceased person inside the apartment. I contacted Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police to assist with the investigation. At this time, there is no indication of foul play.
If we have not been busy enough, we were called to a plane crash at the Fordyce Airport. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries involving the crash. It appears the plane ran off the runway and flipped over on its top. The FAA was reported to be en route to investigate the crash just after the crash occurred. The people aboard and the plane were from Mississippi.
I am happy to report that Mr. Rucker and his crew have stayed continuously busy this week. They helped get the Dallas County Courthouse Christmas decorations up. They have cleaned up leaves in various locations. They've been busy with the litter problem on Dallas County Roads including CR 119, CR 124, and CR 131. They also have picked up a lot of litter along Edgar Street. Mr. Rucker works extremely hard and I hope you've noticed his efforts.
There is still time to donate to our Shop with a Cop program. I'm happy to announce that I just received a $3000.00 donation from Pine Grove Church. I want to thank them for their generous donation. I'm working with area schools to identify families that may be struggling to buy gifts for their children. Once identified, we will be taking them on a shopping trip at our local vendors.
Now let's get to Felony Friday:
Howland, Michael, of Camden, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Jimerson, Jason, of Fordyce, Fleeing, Possession of Meth or Cocaine With Purpose to Deliver, Possession of a Schedule VI With Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Whittaker, Dianne, of Fordyce, Contempt Failure to Pay
Hyde, Steven, of Camden, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Lowrance, Zachery, of Malvern, Criminal Mischief First Degree.
I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
God Bless You.
Sheriff Mike Knoedl