A manhunt is underway in Brinkley for 41-year-old Rodney Jermaine Smith, who escaped from the Brinkley Police Department Jail around 7:15 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Arkansas State Police say Smith reportedly assaulted 2 Brinkley Police Department law enforcement personnel and took an officer’s Taser before fleeing on foot from the jail, heading south on New Orleans Avenue.
At about 7:37 a.m., Smith was seen traveling down railroad tracks in Brinkley.
Troopers and Special Agents with Arkansas State Police are assisting the Brinkley Police Department in the search.
Do Not Approach
Authorities warn the public should not approach Smith or attempt to detain him.
Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts is urged to call:
- 911
- Brinkley Police Department: 870-734-3434
- Arkansas State Police Troop D: 870-633-1454
Description of Rodney Jermaine Smith
- Black male, 41 years old
- 5 feet 10 inches tall
- 260 pounds
- Short black hair, brown eyes
- Multiple tattoos on the left and right arm, upper left arm and back, and neck
- Last seen wearing a white T-shirt, yellow jumpsuit pants and white socks, with no shoes
Held Awaiting Transfer to Arkansas Department of Correction
Smith was being held while awaiting bed space with the Arkansas Department of Correction. His arrest history includes aggravated robbery and domestic battery.
Brinkley Schools on Lockdown
The Brinkley Public School District has placed its campuses on lockdown as a precaution while the search continues.
ArkansasRadio.com will update this story as more information becomes available.
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