THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 1, 2023
The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG October 23, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 655 near Ink in reference to vandalism. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a possible theft. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to theft of property. Deputies were dispatched to a report of threats being made via social media. October 24, 2023 Deputies responded to a report of an unattended death. October 25, 2023 No reports. October 26, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to Financial Identity Fraud. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Roach Avenue near Mena in reference to a medical assist. Christina Shaver, 32, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for DWI, two counts of 1st Degree Domestic Battery, and 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. October 27, 2023 No reports.
October 28, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 289 near Cove in reference to a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was later located. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 646 near Mena in reference to cruelty to animals. An encounter on Ransom Road near Mena led to the arrest of Robert Bush, 40, of Mena on two Failure to Appear Warrants and a charge of Fleeing on Foot. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 178 near Acorn in reference to cruelty to animals. Ronda Castillo, 46, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish on a Failure to Appear Warrant. Lawrence Smith, 68, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Delivery of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance. October 29, 2023 No reports.
MENA POLICE REPORTS October 22 No report. October 23 A report of theft was taken from Walmart. A report of theft was taken from a walk-in complainant. October 24 Richard James, 44, was served with a warrant at the county jail. A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Sarah Way. A report of harassment, disorderly conduct and violation of a no contact order was taken from a walk-in complainant. October 25 Zakary Smith, 27, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71. A report of theft of a vehicle was taken at a residence on North Polk Street. October 26 No report.
Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this October 27 week. Tabitha Baum, 26, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71. October 28 No report.
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Stranded bus in Albert Pike fuels concern By Patrick Massey LANGLEY – Social media is abuzz with questions, concerns and even a couple of conspiracy theories after a passenger bus carrying several dozen men was immobilized on an isolated road in the Ouachita National Forest over the weekend. Photos of the stranded bus began circulating on social media on Saturday. The bus was reportedly stuck after attempting to traverse Forest Road 106 through the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Located near Langley near the Montgomery-Pike-Howard County lines, the federally-operated recreation area is part of the Ouachita National Forest. Photos showed dozens of passengers – all men – milling around the paralyzed bus. Posts on social media ranged from the humorous side of a passenger bus stuck in the middle of nowhere to understandable concern over why a group composed entirely of men was traveling through the isolated region. In a statement made on his Facebook account on Sunday, Montgomery County Sheriff Neal Thomas said his department had received numerous calls and messages regarding the stranded bus. The sheriff ’s office responded to the scene alongside federal law enforcement officers from the United States Forest Service. Thomas said initial information suggested the stranded passengers were with a Texas-based men’s group that planned to hike the Winding Stairs Trail. However, he expressed some skepticism regarding the obtained information. While hiking is a common occurrence in the fall, Thomas said travel to the rugged Albert Pike Rec-
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