Newton County authorities arrested Ryan Leslie Campbell on Wednesday in connection with multiple warrants and new charges following a series of incidents involving alleged thefts and property trespasses.
According to Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler, Campbell had outstanding bond revocation warrants for prior charges of Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property. He also faced a new warrant for allegedly stealing a vehicle belonging to the Mount Judea School and was a suspect in the recent theft of a Honda ATV. Trail camera footage reportedly captured Campbell riding an ATV matching the stolen vehicle's description, and he is accused of entering and spending nights at various homes and rental properties in the area.
The arrest occurred after a local resident alerted authorities to a possible break-in at his cabin. The homeowner reported seeing someone on security cameras attempting to enter the property. Sheriff Wheeler and deputies, accompanied by an Arkansas State Police trooper, responded to the scene. A deputy approached on foot and heard someone fleeing the area on an ATV. Law enforcement set up along a nearby county road, anticipating the suspect’s exit.
When Campbell emerged on the road, he spotted an officer and fled on the ATV, but his escape ended abruptly when he crashed into a fence. Officers apprehended him without further incident, confirmed the ATV was stolen, and discovered suspected methamphetamine in his possession.
Campbell now faces additional charges, including Theft by Receiving, Fleeing with a Vehicle, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Criminal Trespass. With his bonds revoked, he is being held without bond pending a court appearance.
Sheriff Wheeler commended the community for its assistance in tracking Campbell, noting the difficulty in apprehending him over recent weeks. "Ryan has been a problem for us and for the citizens for quite some time but has been incredibly difficult to catch despite great help and input from the community," Wheeler said. "He feels as if no one's property is off limits for him to take or use. Hopefully with these previous bonds being revoked, plus several new felony charges, he will sit in jail for a while so people can rest a little easier."
Campbell’s court date has not yet been announced.