A Batesville Arkansas man is facing 11 criminal charges following a violent incident at Woolum Campground along the Buffalo National River in Searcy County Arkansas.
Authorities said 37-year-old Justan Michael Taylor was arrested after a March 21, 2026 altercation in which he allegedly stabbed one camper and threatened to shoot others nearby.
According to reports from the National Park Service, Taylor became upset over how close other campers had set up near his campsite. Investigators say the situation escalated quickly, leading to the stabbing and threats involving a weapon.
An off-duty Arkansas Game and Fish warden and another camper reportedly intervened, holding Taylor at gunpoint and restraining him with zip ties until a park ranger arrived on scene.
Officials said the responding ranger observed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol.
Charges Filed Against Taylor
Taylor is now facing a total of 11 charges, including several serious felonies:
Felony Charges:
First-Degree Battery
Aggravated Assault
First-Degree Terroristic Threatening
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (methamphetamine-related)
Misdemeanor Charges:
Carrying a Weapon with Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct
Possession of a Schedule IV Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (marijuana-related)
Authorities confirmed Taylor is currently being held in the Searcy County Jail with bond set at $50,000 as of April 8, 2026.
Prior Criminal History
Court records show Taylor has a history within the Arkansas justice system, including prior felony cases in Stone County Arkansas, Independence County Arkansas, and Cleburne County Arkansas dating back to 2009.
Previous charges include commercial burglary, theft of property, and multiple drug-related offenses, with activity as recent as 2024. He has also previously been sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections on separate occasions.
Officials noted that multiple Arkansas State Police troopers assisted during transport due to Taylor’s refusal to comply.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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