BRINKLEY, Ark. — A 41-year-old inmate who assaulted officers and escaped custody at the Brinkley Detention Center was recaptured Friday, according to Arkansas State Police.
Investigators stated that Rodney Smith fled the detention facility on Thursday morning. At the time, he was being held there temporarily while awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Division of Correction. During the escape, Smith allegedly assaulted law enforcement officials and took possession of an officer’s Taser.
Smith was located on Friday as a passenger in a vehicle traveling along Lee County Road 310. State police reported that he and the vehicle’s driver, identified as Marshall Jones, were taken into custody without incident.
Both men were transported to the Arkansas Division of Correction’s East Arkansas Regional Unit in Brickeys. Smith’s criminal record includes convictions for aggravated robbery and domestic battery.
There were no immediate updates regarding additional charges stemming from the escape or the alleged assault.