Sheriff Pruitt says another inmate, Jason Christian, created a disturbance within the jail and assaulted a deputy jailer Saturday evening allowing Armstrong and another inmate, Jason Brannon, to escape. Brannon, held on a count of failure to register as a sex offender, was caught Sunday morning by the Marshall Police Department.
Sheriff Pruitt says a command post has been established, and a search for Armstrong is underway in Searcy County and surrounding areas. He adds information on Armstrong’s whereabouts continue to come in, and every lead is being followed up by his office and the Arkansas State Police. Other assisting agencies include the sheriff’s offices from Marion, Stone, Boone, Newton, Van Buren, Pope and Benton counties, Arkansas Community Corrections, the Arkansas Department of Correction K-9 team, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the National Park Service.
Armstrong was being held in the Searcy County jail on a charge of first-degree murder. Sheriff Pruitt says he is still considered dangerous and may be armed. Area residents and tourists are encouraged to keep their vehicles, doors and windows locked and secure. Anyone with knowledge of Armstrong’s or Watts’ whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office at 870-448-2340. Pruitt is asking the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend him and notify law enforcement immediately.
Mandy Watts
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