It was a busy week for law enforcement in Dallas County, highlighted by a shooting investigation, a major drug seizure and multiple cases handled in circuit court, according to Sheriff Mike Knoedl.
The week began Saturday with deputies responding to a shooting in Sparkman. Authorities said a victim was shot in the leg following a verbal dispute at a cookout and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the suspect fled the scene and was believed to be headed toward Bearden. Law enforcement in Ouachita County responded to the suspect’s known address, but the individual remains at large. A warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest.
Early Tuesday morning, deputies, along with members of the 10th and 13th Judicial Drug Task Forces and the Fordyce Police Department, executed a search warrant in Fordyce that resulted in a significant drug seizure.
Authorities reported recovering nearly four pounds of methamphetamine, along with ecstasy pills, marijuana and more than $1,000 in cash. Officials described the seizure as a major disruption to drug activity in the county. The suspect arrested was already awaiting sentencing on unrelated drug charges in Bradley County and is believed to have been transporting drugs into the area.
Dallas County also held its monthly criminal circuit court session this week, with several defendants receiving sentences on a variety of charges.
Eric Matlock received 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction on multiple drug delivery charges, to run concurrently with federal time. Ritchard Reed was sentenced to five years in prison for failing to register as a sex offender. Daniel Dugan was sentenced to three years in prison along with a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to his fifth DWI offense.
Other cases resulted in a combination of prison time, probation and fines on charges including burglary, drug possession, domestic battery and fleeing law enforcement.
Sheriff Knoedl also announced the department will participate in the “420 Campaign,” a targeted enforcement effort aimed at impaired driving related to drug use. The campaign will run from April 17 through April 20, with increased patrols expected.
As part of its weekly report, the sheriff’s office released its “Felony Friday” list of recent arrests and charges:
- David Berry, Fordyce — Domestic Battering
- Homer Jones, Bearden — Failure to Appear, Driving with Suspended Driver’s License, No Liability Insurance, Speeding
- Brooke Smith, Fordyce — Violation of Order of Protection
- Tommy Ray Walker, Fordyce — Contempt, Driving with Suspended Driver’s License, Driving While Intoxicated
- Cedric Eddington, Kingsland — Sentenced to ADC
- Terence Wade, Fordyce — Forgery
- Jneira Holton, Banks — Possession of Controlled Substance, Maintaining Drug Premises, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking, Distribution Near Certain Facilities
- Jerome Marks, Fordyce — Possession of Controlled Substance, Maintaining Drug Premises, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking, Distribution Near Certain Facilities
- Gregory Bullock, Arkadelphia — Hold for Court
- Jeremy Post, Fordyce — Failure to Appear
- Larry Moore, Bearden — Absconding
- Ritchard Reed, Arkadelphia — Sentenced to ADC
- Kenneth Kelly, Bauxite — Absconding
- Daniel Dugan, Leola — Sentenced to ADC
- Melissa House, Malvern — Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Intoxicated, Speeding, Open Container
- Derek Berry, Bearden — Criminal Impersonation, Criminal Trespass
Sheriff Knoedl said the week’s activity reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to address crime and drug activity while working alongside local and regional law enforcement partners.
He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as deputies continue their work across the county.
