Press Releases

2024 ST. PATRICK'S DAY CAMPAIGNEWS RELEASE   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/14/2024 

CONTACT: SGT. Jeremy Hendrix 

Plan for a Sober Driver This St. Patrick's Day 

Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving 

[Prescott, AR] - St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States extend as far back as the American colonial period. Today, it is one of our nation's most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. These celebrations frequently feature themed cocktails and green pints, and the amount of alcohol consumed on this holiday is higher than average. People are more likely to make poor decisions as a result, including driving while intoxicated. To spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving and to help keep your community's streets safe, Nevada County Sheriff's Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Remember before and throughout the celebrations: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.   

St. Patrick's Day can be a dangerous day on America's roads due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the holiday period (6:00 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18) between 2017 and 2021. Though drunk-driving fatalities are more likely to occur at night, drunk driving puts people's lives in danger at any time of the day. During that same period, there were 31 daytime drunk-driving fatalities. 

"Because St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both on that day and throughout the weekend. We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. That should begin even before you go out to celebrate by deciding who will be your sober designated driver or whether you'll be using a ride-sharing service or taxi," said SGT Hendrix.  

"Not only is drunk driving illegal with serious financial consequences, but it is also deadly for the intoxicated driver and for other people on the road, including passengers, pedestrians, and sober drivers," said SGT Hendrix. According to NHTSA, 13,384 individuals died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 alone, accounting for 31% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year. This means that someone died in a drunk driving crash every 39 minutes on our nation's roads in 2021.  

"Don't turn a day of fun and enjoyment into a tragic and devastating time by driving while intoxicated. Have a sober driver take you home" said SGT Hendrix.  

Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. And the costs can be financial, too: If you're caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver's license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney's fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.  

No one should mix drinking and driving, and no one is immune to the effects of drunk driving. If you find yourself drunk and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with a drunk driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive drunk, take away their keys and help them get home safely. Don't worry about offending someone - you might be saving their life, or someone else's. Always have a plan before you head out for the evening. If you wait until after you've been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you may already be too impaired to make the right choices.  

There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver. If you see a drunk driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact the sheriff's department. 

For more information about the Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. 

Anyone wanting assistance on filing an order of protection or checking on Court cases can log into www.arcourtkiosk.org. Individuals can download correct forms for filing and then carry to courthouse to file.

There is a lot of information on this site that will will save time on filing order of protections and other valuable information.

U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

Distracted driving comes in many forms: adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. But it's cell phone use - specifically, texting, talking, and social media use - that has become the most common distraction. Texting is an especially dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and concentration off driving.

From April 3-10, 2023, we, the Nevada County Sheriff's Department in your community, are working together with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving. During this time, we'll conduct a high-visibility enforcement effort called U Drive. U Text. U Pay., during which we will increase enforcement efforts and issue citations for distracted-driving violations. The campaign exists to remind drivers of the consequences of their reckless actions, and to continue to spread the message about the dangers of distracted driving. These expanded efforts to prevent distracted driving will be conducted in a fair and equitable way.

According to NHTSA, nearly 32,483 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. In 2020, there were 3,142 deaths linked to driver distraction, or 8% of all motor-vehicle crash fatalities. This is an increase of 23 fatalities compared to 2019.

Research shows that Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007. In 2020, 7% of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted.

Drive Safe Every Trip

No one wants to get a ticket for distracted driving. And, you certainly don't want to cause a crash because you decided to read or send a text. If you're driving, follow these steps:

Do not be responsible for taking a life or for causing someone serious injury. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

On Tuesday the 10th day of January at approximately 2:18 p.m. Nevada County Deputies were dispatched to a logging operation off of Nevada 293 in reference to a subject being shot in the ankle area.

Upon arrival witnesses stated that there had been a verbal altercation between two individuals and that one had shot the other. The witnesses also stated that the victim, 55 year old Shelton Johnson Buckner, Ark had been transported to the Hospital in Hope, Arkansas.

Further investigation showed that the Suspect 26 year old  Deandre Iverson Lewisville, Ark had fled into the woods near the logging area.

Iverson was later found in Lewisville, Ark and placed under arrest for the incident and was transported back to Nevada County for the charge of aggravated assault.

Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Game and Fish Officers also assisted in the incident.

This incident is still under investigation with further charges pending.

Additional Information Contact:

Highway Safety Office - Bridget White

(501) 618-8356 - bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov

DECEMBER 14, 2022

  The festivities of Christmas and New Year holidays is often mixed with good cheer leading to tragedies on Arkansas roadways.  This year the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

  Beginning this weekend (December 16th - January 1st), Arkansas State Troopers and law enforcement officers from local departments will be working together to get impaired drivers off the road.  The Arkansas Highway Safety Office asks everyone to remember, "Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over".

  According to NHTSA officials, 11,654 people were killed during 2020 in motor vehicle crashes that involved alcohol impaired drivers.  Averages from that year show one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes.  Between 2016 - 2020, on average, more than 10,000 people died each year because of drunk driving crashes.

  To reduce the chances of future drunk driving crashes, Arkansas law enforcement officers are working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal but also a matter of life and death.

  "It's so important that drivers act responsibly, and refrain from driving if they've consumed a beverage containing alcohol," said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "The holidays are a special time of year for everyone and it's our job in state and local law enforcement to keep the highways and local streets safe for everyone by arresting anyone who is driving while impaired."

  Federal law, as well as laws in most states around the country, make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher and the penalties for impaired driving can be severe.  If a driver is convicted of driving while intoxicated, the person could face jail time, lose their driver's license and pay up to $10,000 in attorney's fees, court fines, higher insurance premiums, and experience lost wages.

  Designated drivers are a valuable tool for reducing impaired driving.  If you are a designated driver, be sure to stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and actively support other designated drivers.  Being a designated driver can be difficult, but it's important to remember that many people are counting on you, particularly other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets.  A designated driver should remain sober and drive safe while on the road.

  "We need a commitment from drivers to stay off the roads if they've been drinking alcohol," said Colonel Bryant.  "This will help ensure everyone can safely enjoy their holiday celebrations when traveling across the state."

  The stepped-up holiday enforcement period allows law enforcement to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and deadly.  The Arkansas State Police and its Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

  For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas' ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org .

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6/1/22

Elisa Strawn W/F Mt. Pleasant, Tx arrested on bench warrant.

6/2/22

Britt Spell W/M Prescott, Ar arrested by Sgt. Jeremy Hendrix for probation violation.

6/2/22

Storm Evans W/F Prescott, Ar arrested for unauthorized use of vehicle.

6/4/22

Jesse Levingston B/M Texarkana, Ar arrested for drug trafficking, possession of firearm by certain persons and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearm.

6/4/22

Deroderick Jones B/M Texarkana, Ar was arrested by Deputy Bernard Box for Speeding, Driving on a suspended license, Drug Trafficking, Misdemeanor possession of controlled substance and simultaneous possession drugs and firearm.

6/6/22

Kiry Muldrew B/M Emmet was arrested by Investigator Steve Otwell for disorderly conduct.

6/9/22

John Clifton W/M Poyen, Ar was arrested for a felony warrant.

6/9/22

Gracey Adams W/F Nashville, TN arrested on a felony warrant.

6/10/22

David Compton W/M Murfreesboro, Ar was arrested on felony warrant our of Miller County.

6/11/22

Evan Cobb W/M Homeless was arrested at Dollar General Rosston for shoplifting by Chief Deputy Larry Miller.

6/11/22

Lindsey Brown W/F Rosston, Ar was arrested by Chief Deputy Larry Miller for domestic battery, criminal mischief and for a probation violation warrant out of Miller County.

6/13/22

Kolten Martinez H/M Prescott, Ar was arrested by court order sanction.

6/16/22

Skylar Fraser W/M Camden, Ar was arrested on a felony warrant.

6/21/22

Barry Creager W/M Prescott, Ar was arrested on a hold for Arkansas Department of corrections.

6/21/22

Willie Young B/M Prescott, Ar was arrested on a hold for Arkansas Department of corrections.

6/21/22

Devin Robinson W/M Murfreesboro, AR was arrested on a hold for Arkansas Department of corrections.

6/24/22

Christopher Greer B/M Westland, Mi was arrested for Felony warrants out of Michigan.

6/24/22

Terry Mckinney B/M Rosston, Ar was arrested by Sgt. Jeremy Hendrix on a misdemeanor warrant out of Nevada County.

6/24/22

Kenneth Henry B/M Rosston, Ar was arrested by Sgt. Jeremy Hendrix for a parole warrant out of the State of Arkansas.

6/26/22

Shelly Petty W/F Prescott, Ar was arrested by Sgt. Jeremy Hendrix for domestic battery 3rd degree.

6/28/22

James Griffin W/M Prescott, Ar was arrested on a felony warrant by Chief Deputy Larry Miller.

On Friday the 24th day of June at approximately 4:30 p.m. Officers with the Western District US Marshal's office, Nevada County Sheriff's Department and the Prescott Police Department served a warrant at 407 Rosston Road in Prescott, Arkansas.

Christopher Greer 33 year old black male from Westland, Michigan was arrested on a warrant out of the State of Michigan for charges of two counts of first degree murder and 4 counts of felony weapon possession.

Christopher Greer was transported to the Nevada County Detention facility where he is being held for extradition back to the State of Michigan.

 On Tuesday May 31 2022 an accident occurred with an UTV off-road vehicle on US 371 North of Rosston, Arkansas. This accident involved a fatality. The Arkansas State Police investigated the accident.

Further investigation by the Nevada County Sheriff's Department showed that operator Storm Evans W/F had taken keys to the 2012 Polaris Ranger from the bedroom of the residence she was staying at without permission. This residence belonged to the Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin.

S-Evans took side by side, identified as a 2012 Polaris Ranger and passenger Cavashia Young on a ride to the Rosston area.

Storm Evans had never been allowed to operate the Ranger previous to this date, nor was authorized at the time of accident.

While traveling back north on US 371 S-Evans lost control of the Ranger causing vehicle to overturn. Cavashia Young 18 year old B/F from Prescott was killed in the crash.

Cavashia Young had spent the night with Storm Evans at the residence and was only visiting. Cavashia Young had nothing to do with the taking of the keys nor the unauthorized use of the vehicle.

8th North Prosecuting Attorney office was contacted about the unauthorized use by Investigators with the Sheriff's Department.

Due to the investigation, Storm Evans, after being released from the hospital was booked into the Nevada County Jail on June 2nd 2022 for a warrant issued out of California and for the charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle with possible further charges pending.

Any questions in reference to the accident need to be directed to the Arkansas State Police. Any questions in reference the criminal charges will be directed to the Nevada County Sheriff's Department.

                              March-April

3-26-22

Justin Isley, Emmet Ar Suspended DL, Speeding, Fleeing by vehicle, No Vehicle Insurance, Criminal Mischief 

4-8-22

Michael Wayne Fuller, Magnolia Ar Possession of controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia

4-9-22

Katasia Witherspoon , Prescott, Ar Possession of a controlled substace

4-22-22 

India Williams, Prescott, Ar Possession of a controlled substance

4-27-22

Marcus Banks, Prescott, Ar Possession of a controlled substance and Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting arrest.

Nevada County Sheriff's Department would like to congratulate Arron Easley on his promotion to Lieutenant of troop B with the Arkansas State Police. Lt. Easley is a good friend to our department and a former Nevada County Deputy. Aaron was also stationed in Nevada County as a trooper before transferring to north Arkansas. Lt. Easley has certainly earned his rank and we are very proud of him.