Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl issued an early weekly report Thursday, citing anticipated time out of the office Friday, and addressed both lingering winter weather concerns and recent public criticism related to an active arrest warrant.
Knoedl said the county weathered what many dubbed “Icepocalypse 2026” with fewer issues than initially expected. He credited minimal freezing rain for helping prevent widespread power outages and said, to his knowledge, no significant power losses were reported across the county.
Despite improving conditions, the sheriff urged residents to remain cautious.
“Please remember to stay vigilant until all of this ice melts off our roads,” Knoedl said. “Temperatures are still dropping below freezing at night, which can cause refreezing and black ice. That can be deadly.”
With much of the week focused on weather-related updates, Knoedl also addressed criticism his office received after posting information about an outstanding arrest warrant earlier in the week.
According to the sheriff, the individual in question burglarized a local business and was arrested in possession of a firearm taken from that business. The suspect later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to the Alternative Sentencing Program (ASP), which Knoedl described as a beneficial option for first-time offenders that could have resulted in a clean record.
However, Knoedl said the individual failed to comply with the program’s requirements.
“That was his decision,” Knoedl said. “Because he did not follow the rules, a Circuit Judge issued a warrant for his arrest. One of my office’s responsibilities is to locate individuals with outstanding warrants and bring them before the court.”
Knoedl emphasized that his office prioritizes victims of crime while also supporting rehabilitation and second chances for those struggling with addiction.
“I don’t believe the solution to every problem is locking people up and throwing away the key,” he said. “Sometimes people need an opportunity to get back on their feet.”
The sheriff also addressed comments that attempted to frame the situation as a racial issue, firmly rejecting that characterization.
“I have always enforced the law regardless of race, religion, or economic status,” Knoedl said. “Anyone who knows me knows that’s not who I am.”
Knoedl said while social media can be a useful tool for sharing information, it can also contribute to misinformation and public misunderstanding. He encouraged residents to seek facts before forming opinions.
“I work for everyone in Dallas County,” he said. “I am here to help anyone who needs help.”
The sheriff also released his weekly “Felony Friday” report, which included the following arrests:
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Kashka Dupree, of Fordyce – Terroristic Threatening (Fordyce Police Department)
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Marlo Kaul, of Fordyce – Disorderly Conduct (Fordyce Police Department)
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Zachary Williams, of Leola – Failure to Register/Failure to Comply
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Dillon Oliver, of Fordyce – Disorderly Conduct (Fordyce Police Department)
Sheriff Knoedl concluded his report by thanking residents for their patience during the winter weather and urging continued caution on area roadways.
