On February 19, 2024, at approximately 6:52 AM, Pope County 911 dispatch received a call of a structure fire in the 22000 block of SR7 North. Once on scene it was determined that an adult female had perished as a result of this structure fire. Due to the ongoing investigation, there are no further details at this time. Sheriff Jones would like to thank all the responding departments for their quick response and tireless efforts.
Sheriff Shane Jones states that two additional arrests have been made in connection to the shooting death of the 16-year-old juvenile on Bowers Loop on the night of July 8, 2023. Jessie Ashcraft age 53 and Patricia Ashcraft age 35 who both resided and were present at the residence where the incident occurred, were arrested after giving false and misleading statements to investigators during the initial investigation. Both suspects have been charged with Hindering Apprehension and Possession of Methamphetamine and are being held at the Pope County Detention Center pending plea and arraignment hearing. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information is available at this time.
Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones states that at 10:11 PM on July 8, 2023 Pope County deputies responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Bowers Loop on a report of a gunshot victim. On deputies arrival they located a seventeen-year-old juvenile male with a single gunshot wound deceased at the scene. After the investigation it was determined that a fifteen year old juvenile male suspect had fled the area and was later located at a residence in Russellville. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and is being held at a juvenile detention facility awaiting filing of formal charges.
Sheriff Shane Jones would like to thank the Arkansas State Police and Russellville Police Department for their assistance.
No further information is available due to the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Shane Jones, in cooperation with Judge Clay McCall and the District Court Office, announces MISDEMEANOR WARRANT AMNESTY for the month of May. From 5/1/2023 through 5/31/2023, anyone with a Pope County MISDEMEANOR WARRANT may come into the Pope County Sheriff's Office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to have the MISDEMEANOR WARRANT served. No money will be collected at the time of service. This will be a serve and release process. A court date will be given at the time of service and the defendant will appear before Judge Clay McCall at a later date.
WARRANTS WILL NOT BE SERVED OVER THE PHONE!
On January 15, 2023 at approximately 4:12pm, Pope County Sheriff's Deputies received a call that a 35-year-old male had been attacked by multiple dogs while riding his bicycle in the area of Page Road and Alpine Meadows Road.
During the attack, the male was able to phone his wife to come pick him up. On her arrival, she stated that two of the dogs were still actively attacking him, and she had to assist him in getting away from them and into her car. On arrival of EMS it was determined that due to the severity of his injuries, he needed to be airlifted to Little Rock from the landing zone at the Crow Mountain Fire Department.
At this time, two individuals have been issued citations for violation of the Pope County Vicious Animal Ordinance, and four of the dogs reported to have been involved have been taken into custody after being voluntarily relinquished by the owner.
Sheriff Jones states that the safety of our citizens is paramount. All animals owners should be reminded that Pope County Ordinance No: 2015-O-50 provides criminal sanctions to owners who refuse to contain their dog that is vicious.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, January 19, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Pope County Sheriff's Office Investigators took into custody Meredith "Lyndsey" Hill. Hill is an employee of the Pottsville School District and has been booked on charges of Sexual Assault 1st Degree with a Minor and is being held at the Pope County Detention Center.
Hill will appear before Circuit Judge James Dunham via Zoom for a bond hearing on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., pending the filing of formal charges by the 5th Judicial Prosecuting Attorney.
Sheriff Shane Jones stated no other comment will be made at this time, due to this being an open and ongoing investigation.
Fifty years ago, on November 1, 1972, Shannon Lee Collins was born in Batesville, AR. Shannon enjoyed a typical childhood, along with his siblings and extended family. He attended, and graduated from, Russellville High School in 1991 and later served his country as a soldier in the United States Army National Guard. Shannon was later honorably discharged from the military at the rank of Sergeant Major SGM after 24 years of service. The morning of March 12, 2021 is the last time Shannon Collins was seen; he allegedly walked away from his home in Pottsville, Arkansas. Nine months after that date Shannon was reported missing by his brother who lives out of state. His parents, brother and sister have all fully cooperated with authorities at the Pope County Sheriff's Office and anxiously wait as the days come and go with no sightings of or communication by Shannon. And today marks the second Veteran's Day without the son and brother they love and miss. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Shannon Collins, please contact the Pope County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Shane Jones has released the name of the suspect in Wednesday night's explosion in Atkins as 66-year-old Jesse Lee McCurley. McCurley remains in custody at the Pope County Detention Center on charges of Attempted Capital Murder, Aggravated Assault, Arson, and Cruelty to Animals.