Monticello Live

Jason Matthew Smith, who attempted to set the Drew County Jail on fire, early Saturday morning, had his first appearance hearing before Judge Robert Gibson, Monday morning.

Judge Gibson appointed the public defender to represent Smith, who is already on probation and in drug court.

The Prosecuting Attorney‘s office is filing to revoke Jason Matthew Smith’s probation on his earlier charges, which makes him not eligible for bonding out of jail.

Smith told the judge that it is sad to mess up his life in the court system for “a drunken mistake.“ (more…)

The Arkansas State Police have announced the Sgt. LaGarian Cross has been promoted to post Sergeant. His new duties will be the supervisor of Post 3 in Troop F, which consist of Drew, Ashley and Chicot Counties.

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Jacob Andrew Bennett, a former Drew Central student, accepted a guilty plea to the charge of “threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property”, earlier this week, in reference to the April Drew Central school threat, referenced below.

In earlier pre-trial court hearings, Bennett’s attorney described his social media postings about going “Columbine“ as a reference to a song or video games.

The 10 year probation sentence, as in all instances, could lead to prison time, if any other criminal activity or violations occur from the defendant. (more…)

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Around midnight, Monday night, a stabbing occurred on Highway 425 south at an apartment complex located outside the Monticello city limits.

Two victims left the scene in a Jeep Grand Cherokee attempting to get to Drew Memorial Hospital. Their vehicle overturned, on old Warren Road, before reaching the hospital.

The suspect fled the scene in a dark Ford F150 pick up.

The suspect, Shannon Wilkerson, was taken into custody by Drew County deputies, on Highway 278, west of Wilmar.

Responding agencies included Monticello Firefighters, who extricated the two trapped occupants of the vehicle, MPD, DCSO, ASP, OEM, SEEMS, and MASI.

Helicopter medical transport was requested for both of the crash victims, but was unavailable, so they were transported by ambulance to Drew Memorial Hospital.

Shannon Wilkerson had a first appearance and bond hearing on Tuesday, where his bond was set at $500,000. (more…)

At 12:16 AM, Tuesday morning, there was a single vehicle rollover accident on Old Warren Rd. across from the Monticello Track, near MHS, on the way to Drew Memorial Hospital.

The driver of this Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to have been headed west, possibly towards the hospital, when they lost control of the vehicle in a curve,

Responding agencies included Monticello Firefighters, who extricated the two trapped occupants of the vehicle, MPD, DCSO, ASP, OEM, SEEMS, and MASI.

Helicopter medical transport was requested for both of the crash victims.

All local enforcement agencies were out, patrolling Monticello and Drew County streets and highways, last night.

Tuesday afternoon, around 4 PM, agents from the Tenth Judicial Drug Task Force were working in an undercover capacity, where they had set up a meeting to purchase illegal firearms from a subject. (more…)

The 4th of July is a time for national celebration, full of backyard cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks. The buzz of a drink is not needed to feel the thrill of the summer holiday festivities. But if you or someone you know decides to drink and is impaired by alcohol, it is not safe to drive a vehicle. This Independence Day, Monticello Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urge drivers to share the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. (more…)