Crime & Safety
Arkansas Escapee Alert Today: Inmate Flees Jail, Police Warn Public
BRINKLEY, AR – An urgent search is underway Thursday, Oct. 29, after a 41 year old inmate allegedly assaulted two law enforcement officers and escaped from a police jail in eastern Arkansas, prompting
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-29T16:47:42.165Z
BRINKLEY, AR – An urgent search is underway Thursday, Oct. 29, after a 41 year old inmate allegedly assaulted two law enforcement officers and escaped from a police jail in eastern Arkansas, prompting authorities to warn residents not to approach him.
According to Arkansas State Police, troopers and special agents are assisting the Brinkley Police Department in locating Rodney Jermaine Smith, 41, who escaped from the Brinkley Police Department Jail in Monroe County at approximately 7:15 a.m. Thursday.
Authorities reported that Smith allegedly assaulted two Brinkley police personnel and took an officer's Taser before fleeing the facility on foot.
Escapee Last Seen Near Railroad Tracks Police said Smith fled south along New Orleans Avenue in Brinkley following the incident.
At approximately 7:37 a.m., he was reportedly spotted traveling along railroad tracks in the area.
Authorities released the following identifying details:
Name: Rodney Jermaine Smith Age: 41 Height: 5 feet, 10 inches Weight: Approximately 260 pounds Hair: Short, black Eyes: Brown Distinguishing features: Multiple tattoos on both arms, upper left arm, back and neck Smith was last seen wearing a white T shirt, yellow jumpsuit pants and white socks without shoes.
Arkansas State Police Issue Public Safety Warning Arkansas State Police issued a direct warning to residents across the area:
"THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT APPROACH SMITH OR ATTEMPT TO DETAIN HIM."
Authorities have not announced an arrest or confirmed Smith's current whereabouts in the information provided.
Residents who believe they have spotted Smith should avoid approaching him and immediately contact law enforcement.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 , the Brinkley Police Department at 870 734 3434 , or Arkansas State Police Troop D at 870 633 1454 .
The search involves coordination between state and local authorities as investigators work to locate the escaped inmate.
Residents are encouraged to share the official alert and remain attentive to further updates from Arkansas State Police.