On February 26th at 11:45 p.m., while patrolling the area of U.S. Highway 65 and Farmer Street in Dumas, Deputy Reshawn Bledsoe initiated a traffic stop on a 2010 Maroon Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 37-year-old Chilesha Riney. Upon making contact with Riney, Deputy Bledsoe smelled an odor of intoxicants. He noticed Riney to have bloodshot and watery eyes. Riney admitted to having just come from a club, and said she had drank a beer, and mixed drink. After Deputy Bledsoe got Riney out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests, she became belligerent, and verbally combative. After refusing the tests, Riney was arrested. While Riney continued to be combative, she kicked a Dumas Police Officer in the chest, while trying to get Riney into Deputy Bledsoe’s car. Once at the jail Riney continued to curse the Officers in a belligerent manner, and at one point, struck Deputy Bledsoe. Riney refused to take the breath test at the Dumas Jail, and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, and refusing to submit to a breath test. The case is under further review, as Riney is likely to face additional criminal charges.
On 2/27/2023 at 6:30 p.m. Deputy Bledsoe was patrolling the area of U.S. Highway 65 at Tillar, when He initiated a traffic stop on a 2008 Blue Dodge Charger, driven by 18 year old Michael Coleman of McGehee. While conducting a probable cause search of the vehicle, Deputy Bledsoe discovered a handgun under the driver’s seat. Upon running the firearm through the database, it was discovered that the firearm was reported stolen from Little Rock. Coleman was placed under arrest and transported to the McGehee City Jail, where he was charged with theft by receiving.
On 2/27/2023 at 7:50 p.m., Sheriff Mitch Grant, Chief Deputy Jonathan Byrd and Deputy Reshawn Bledsoe responded to a “shots fired” call in Dumas, to assist Dumas City Officers. It was discovered that an occupied home on Wolf Street was struck with several rounds of gunfire. The suspects were described as two black males, wearing all black clothing. No suspects were immediately located. The case is under further investigation by the Dumas Police Department.
On 3/5/2023 at 1:00 a.m. while patrolling the area of U.S. Highway 65 in Dumas, Deputy Wayna Green initiated a traffic stop on a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by 31 year old LaMarcus Jacob of Indianola Mississippi. Upon making contact with the driver, Deputy Green smelled an odor of intoxicates. After getting Jacob out of the car and attempting to perform field sobriety tests, Jacob refused. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Dumas City Jail, where he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, No Driver’s License and No Insurance.
During the month of February Deputies patrolled 18,350 miles, providing services to the citizens of Desha County. Deputies responded to 51 calls for service, investigated 5 motor vehicle crashes, opened 8 felony criminal cases, and 14 misdemeanor cases. Deputies participated in 4 community-oriented policing programs, issued 39 tickets, and gave 79 warnings. Deputies conducted 49 property checks and made 20 prisoner transports.
We encourage our County residents to remain vigilant, and if you see something suspicious, call the Desha County Sheriff’s Office.
March 7-11, 2023
On March 7th at 2:15 p.m. Deputy Reshawn Bledsoe was patrolling Hwy 65 near Pickens, when he made a traffic stop on a Brown 2009 Nissan Murano. After making contact with the driver, 31 year old Tremone Clark, of Pioneer Louisiana, Deputy Bledsoe noticed Clark was acting nervously. After smelling the odor of Marijuana and conducting a probable cause search, Deputy Bledsoe discovered four large glass jars filled with Marijuana, that had a combined weight of 1.3 pounds, along with a set of electronic scales. Clark was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to deliver. He was incarcerated at the Dumas City Jail.
On 3/10/2023 10:08 p.m. Deputy Wayna Green was patrolling the area of Hwy 65 at Tillar, when he made a traffic stop on Black 2009 Pontiac G6 passenger car, being driven by 20 year old Roger Miles, of Hagerstown Maryland. Upon speaking with the driver Deputy Green smelled the odor of Marijuana emitting from the vehicle. After conducting a probable cause search of the vehicle, Deputy Green discovered 62 grams of Marijuana, and 9 individual Mushrooms (Psilocybin). Miles was placed under arrest and transported to the Dumas City Jail, where he was booked for possession of both a schedule 1, and schedule 6 controlled substance.
On 3/12/2023 at 10:10 p.m. Deputy Brandon Posey was dispatched to Hwy 54 near Taylor’s Steak House, in reference to a subject being passed out in a vehicle, that was blocking the Highway. Upon arrival Deputy Posey discovered 36 year old Carlos Mondradon, asleep behind the wheel of his truck, with his foot on the brake, and an open 12 pack of beer on the seat beside him. After finally waking the subject up and removing him from the vehicle, Deputy Posey eventually arrested Mondragon for Driving While Intoxicated. He was transported to the Dumas City Jail. There, Deputy Posey administered a breath test. Mondragon registered .22, which is nearly three times the legal limit.
On 3/11/2023 at 3:30 a.m. Deputy Wayna Green was dispatched to Hwy 208 in Halley, in regard to a tractor being driven around, that could have possibly been stolen. Upon arrival Deputy Green located a John Deere 8295R. The tractor had been driven out of a field, down Hwy 208, then returned to the same turn road that it had been removed from. Possible suspect information was developed, and the case is under further investigation. ATTENTION TO ALL FARMERS IN THE HALLEY AREA: There may be a subject joy riding in tractors. We hope this was an isolated incident. However, should you discover any equipment tampered with, contact the Sheriff's Office. Deputies will be patrolling the area.
