FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office

Contact: Sheriff Kevin Molder

For More Information: (870) 578-5411 or kevin.molder@poinsettcounty.us

 (07/30/2018, Poinsett County, Arkansas) 

Traffic Stop Leads to Altercation with Deputy 

On 07-27-2018, Deputy James Dawson made a traffic stop on a motorcycle just South of Hwy 214E on Highway 163. The driver of the motorcycle, Jerry Reese, was a parolee. Deputy Dawson asked him to empty his pockets and pull his gloves off and place everything on the right side of his patrol car hood. Reese pulled money out of his pocket and Deputy Dawson asked him to put it inside his gloves so that it wouldn't blow away. He then had him step to the other side of his patrol car and place his hands on the hood of his patrol car. Deputy Dawson then started to search his person and pulled a knife out of his pocket and placed it on the other side of the car with his other items. Deputy Dawson found nothing on his person and then he started to search his property. 

Deputy Dawson picked up his gloves and pulled his money out. There was a dollar bill that was folded and it had something inside of it. He opened it and there was a crystal like substance consistent with meth wrapped inside the bill. He placed it back on the hood with his other property and told him to place his hands behind his back because he was under arrest. Deputy Dawson stepped behind him to handcuff him and grab one of his hands when Reese pulled away and reached to where the knife and the dollar bill were laying. Deputy Dawson grabbed him and pulled him away from the car, but he was able to grab the dollar and the knife. During the altercation, Reese drops the knife and elbows Deputy Dawson in the face and busts his lip. Deputy Dawson then pulls out his Taser and dry stuns him to knock his legs out from under him. At this time, they were lying in the ditch and Deputy Dawson is on top of him. Deputy Dawson was able to get him under control by getting his hands behind his back. During the scuffle, Deputy Dawson dropped his cuffs and was in front of him on the ground. Another deputy arrives on the scene. They were able to get Reese handcuffed and they placed him in the back of a patrol car. Reese was transported to the Poinsett County Detention Center. 

Jerry Reese, 42, of Harrisburg, AR is charged with Carrying a Prohibited Weapon, Battery 2 on a Police Officer, No Vehicle License, Driving on Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, No Insurance, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth), Resisting Arrest, and Tampering with Evidence. Judge Ron Hunter set a $100,000 cash only bond. 

Sheriff Kevin Molder