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Press Releases>
Arkansas fugitive arrested in Webster Parish
-Man makes attempt on life of officer; deputies link man to meth case
Oct 8, 2009 --
 
KENNETH JONES; CHRISTINA OTWELL
A search for Arkansas fugitive Kenneth Jones began in Columbia County , Arkansas and found its way to Springhill , Louisiana . Following a joint task force operation in Springhill this morning involving the US Marshals Service, the Arkansas and Louisiana State Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department, Kenneth Jones, 43, of Columbia County Arkansas and Christina Otwell, 23, of Springhill, were taken into custody by the Webster Sheriff’s CAD Patrol deputies.
US Marshals Fugitive Apprehension task force members initiated a search at a Springhill residence for Jones, who is reported to have a history of violence against law enforcement and was considered to be dangerous and potentially armed.
During the search, Jones and Otwell allegedly drove a truck from the scene in reverse, followed on foot by a deputy US Marshal. Jones was then reported to have shifted the truck in drive in an attempt to run down the marshal, who ultimately opened fire on Jones to stop the threat.
Jones and Otwell fled the scene again and a brief pursuit began and then ended quickly when the truck crashed into a wooded area. Officers chased Jones on foot and eventually apprehended him and Otwell.
Both subjects were taken to the Webster Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division offices for questioning by investigators. During the process evidence was gathered by narcotics detectives that linked both Jones and Otwell to an existing investigation involving the manufacturing of methamphetamines.
A preliminary search of Jones’ truck revealed a variety of materials known for use in manufacturing methamphetamine as well as an illegally possessed weapon. The truck is in possession of the Webster Sheriff’s Department for further processing. Warrants were obtained for both Jones and Otwell for the charges of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines with bond amounts of $500,000.00 each.
Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department booked Jones on the criminal conspiracy warrant, with additional charges including attempted first degree murder of a police officer, aggravated flight from an officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with bond amounts pending.
Jones was transported and booked into the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on all charges, and Otwell was arrested and booked in the parish jail on the charge for criminal conspiracy.
“The day’s events could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life,” said Webster Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bobby Igo. “I am thankful that the officers’ training and instinct kicked in and that everyone returned from the operation unharmed. Subjects like Jones, who will take aggressive action at all costs to escape apprehension, are an incredible threat to law enforcement; and quick and appropriate action to counter such a threat is vital.”
Webster Parish Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Gary S. Sexton
410 Main Street
P.O. Box 877
Minden, LA 71058
318-377-1515
admin@webstersheriff.org
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