SHERIFF MIKE KNOEDL - WEEKLY UPDATE 6/27/2025

Good morning,

This week started off busy but ended on a slightly better note. On Monday, we assisted the Arkansas State Police with a serious two-vehicle accident at the middle junction of Highway 79 and Highway 8. A vehicle traveling north on Highway 79 apparently ran the red light and ran underneath a tractor-trailer at a relatively high rate of speed. Fortunately, the young lady driving was not seriously injured in this accident. At last report, she is recovering in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is a good ending to this story as well. She had her dog in the vehicle when the accident occurred, and he fled the scene heading west on Highway 8. The dog was rescued by local residents on Highway 229 and has been returned to his owner. I want to thank everyone who helped this young lady get Rudy back home!

On Tuesday afternoon, Sergeant Jordan Ables made a routine traffic stop on Highway 167 near Farindale that turned into anything but routine. After being stopped for running 87 MPH, the driver became uncooperative and eventually rolled up his window, locked his door, and refused to exit the vehicle as directed. Eventually, Sergeant Ables busted the driver's side window and extricated the suspect safely out of the car. Thanks to Trooper JR Reed for assistance in this incident. The suspect was later found to be under the influence and disoriented, thinking he was in the state of Missouri. He was subsequently arrested, transported to Dallas County jail, and booked for DWI. This incident is precisely why part of our duties include working on state and federal highways to ensure the safety of everyone. This serves as a reminder to everyone to be vigilant while driving at all times.

DWI Mobilization efforts begin July 2-6. You will see more law enforcement officers patrolling to keep our roads safe from drivers under the influence. For all of you enjoying our scenic lakes and rivers, please do so responsibly and refrain from drinking and operating a boat or vehicle while celebrating. I can assure you it's not worth it!

Deputy Dusty Walton has spent the week completing a Defensive Driving Instructor Course held by the Arkansas State Police. He will graduate this week and begin to instruct others in pursuit driving.

I am pleased to announce that we have been awarded a state equipment grant of $12,500 to purchase necessary equipment. These grants save our county thousands of dollars each year to purchase needed equipment.

Felony Friday:

Puckett, Kirt Allen of Carthage; Parole Violation; Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked; No Liability Insurance

Hunter, Albert Lee of Nashville; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Meth/Cocaine; Parole Violation

Brown, Makel of Fordyce; FPD Fleeing; Resisting Arrest

Clemons, Triston of Camden; FPD Breaking or Entering; Fleeing; Resisting Arrest

Johnson, Christopher Monte of Fordyce; Felony Failure to Appear; Aggravated Assault; Domestic Battering

Christopher, Denise Nazaria of El Dorado; Contempt Failure to Pay

Stanfield, Cobie Michelle of Fordyce; Failure to Appear

Cheshier, Claude; Driving While Intoxicated

Brazil, Henry Lee; Parole Violation

Kluesner, Jeremy Jason of Houston; Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test; Speeding; Obstructing Governmental Operations; Resisting Arrest; Driving While Intoxicated; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Avila-Sanchez, Josefat Alejandro of Mexico; No Driver License

God Bless

Sheriff Mike Knoedl