Two people have been arrested following the death of a 3-year-old girl in what authorities say began as a tractor accident near the Dallas/Clark County line.
According to Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl, Clark County law enforcement contacted Dallas County late Tuesday afternoon regarding an accident involving the child in the Dalark area.
Early reports indicate the girl was riding in the front-end loader of a tractor and fell out while it was moving. She sustained traumatic crushing injuries and was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she later died. Her body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination.
Dallas County deputies responded to the property where the incident occurred, documented the scene and collected evidence. On Wednesday, Major Brady Harmon and Sheriff Knoedl conducted interviews with the child’s mother and stepfather.
Following further investigation, authorities determined the tractor’s operator had been consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
Investigators prepared affidavits that were presented to a circuit judge, who issued arrest warrants for Dewayne Owens and Melinda Shahan.
Owens has been charged with accidents involving death or personal injury, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, manslaughter for recklessly causing death, and possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Shahan has been charged with accidents involving death or personal injury and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
Both suspects are scheduled to make their first court appearance later today for bond hearings.
The investigation remains ongoing.
