According to law enforcement, after getting a tip from a nearby auction barn, authorities in Independence County retrieved nine stolen cattle worth over $15,000.
After receiving a tip of suspicious cattle activity on July 24, the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture successfully coordinated their operation. According to a statement from Sheriff Shawn Stephens’ office, investigators tracked the livestock to Cattleman’s Livestock Exchange in Charlotte, where employees informed authorities that something fishy was happening with the calves.
The nine animals, which were worth about $15,450, were securely given back to their original owner.
“This recovery shows our dedication to safeguarding the farming community,” Stephens added. We would like to express our gratitude to the public for their cooperation and tips, which enabled our endeavor.
In relation to the theft, one individual, Eric Wayne Williams, 31, of Batesville, has been placed under arrest. Authorities are still looking for leads regarding possible accomplices and additional stolen livestock in this case.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office are advising ranchers to utilize visible identification marks on cattle, maintain thorough livestock records, and promptly report any suspicious behavior.
Contact the Independence County Sheriff’s Office by phone at 870-793-8838, via email at [email protected], or via the department’s mobile app if you have any information.
Do you want to advertise an event or a news tip? White River Now can be reached by email at [email protected]. Make sure to follow and like us on Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, remember to download the White River Now app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Every weekday morning and afternoon, the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ provides the most recent local and regional news and weather information. On weekday mornings, White River Now updates are also broadcast on
Outlaw 106.5, Your FM 99.5, and 93 KZLE. Watch CBS News on 1340 KBTA at the top of each hour.
