Message From The Sheriff
MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF
SHANE JONES  ( read )
Phone:
Emergency: 911
24 Hrs Non-Emergency:
479-968-2558
Detention Center:
479-968-5599
Crime Tips:
479-968-6545
Address:
#3 Emergency Lane
Russellville, AR 72802
Administrative Office Hours:
8:00am - 4:30pm M-F
11/30/2018

NON-CUSTODIAL KIDNAPPING

On Thursday, 11/29/2018, at approximately 6:47 p.m., deputies responded to a call of a possible non-custodial kidnapping in the area of Crow Mountain. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the non-custodial father of the juvenile had requested to see the child before traveling out of state. The complainant stated that while holding the child, the suspect went to his vehicle to retrieve some items for the child. At that time, the suspect entered the vehicle with the child and left the residence. A search of the area was conducted with the assistance of the Arkansas State Police and surrounding agencies. After putting out a BOLO (Be on the lookout), the vehicle was located by ASP and Clarksville PD at a business in Clarksville. As law enforcement approached the vehicle, the male suspect fled on foot and was captured shortly thereafter, with the assistance of the Johnson County K-9 Unit. A female, identified as Katelynn Martin, was also in the vehicle, but was released after determining she was not a suspect. Investigator Russell Hill with the Pope County Sheriff’s Office arrived and took over the investigation. The child was located unharmed at a residence in Clarksville. The suspect was booked into the Pope County Detention Center and is identified as Billy Johns. He will appear before Judge Don Bourne Friday morning for a felony bond hearing.

Sheriff Jones stated that with the cooperation of surrounding agencies, this incident was swiftly reconciled and the child was returned to the mother. He would like to extend his gratitude to the Arkansas State Police, Clarksville Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for the active roles they played as the events unfolded.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.