Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl provided an update on law enforcement activity this week, highlighting a multi-agency search, a recent scam alert and ongoing enforcement efforts across the county.
Knoedl said the week began with assistance to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, where deputies used a drone to help search for a suspect who had fled authorities while reportedly armed with a machete.
According to the sheriff, the search lasted several hours but ended without locating the suspect.
“After several hours of searching for the suspect, it was determined he had left the area or had hidden in a barn where the drone was unable to pick him up,” Knoedl said.
The sheriff also issued a warning about a scam that has been circulating in recent weeks through text messages.
“We have received numerous calls about a scam circulating via text this past two weeks. I have personally received three of these texts myself,” Knoedl said.
He explained that the messages typically ask recipients to click a link and provide personal information, often appearing to come from a legitimate source.
“It actually has a judge’s name on the original text you receive; after researching the judge, it has been reported that he died several years ago,” he said.
Knoedl emphasized that law enforcement and the court system will not contact individuals by phone or text to request money.
“Please do not fall victim to this scam and click on the link if you receive one of these texts,” he said, urging residents to verify any suspicious communication before responding.
The sheriff also noted that the Distracted Driving Campaign will continue through April 13, with increased law enforcement presence expected during that time.
Drivers are also being reminded to use caution along Highway 8 west, where resurfacing work is underway between Fordyce and Princeton.
“Be patient during slight delays and slow down to keep the workers safe as they do their jobs,” Knoedl said.
In addition to the weekly update, Knoedl released the latest “Felony Friday” arrests:
- Linda Croom of Dumas — Failure to Appear
- Corwyn McPherson of Fordyce — Second-Degree Assault
- Justin Word of Sparkman — Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person, Domestic Battery
- Etta Tate of Camden — Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Fleeing
- James Lee Sherman of Malvern — Failure to Appear
- Piney Turner of Fordyce — Failure to Appear
- Clinton Schanzlin of Kingsland — Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
