CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ark. — A Cleburne County escaped inmate is back behind bars Wednesday following a five-day search.
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office said 41-year-old Jared West was found and taken into custody off Highway 89 in Faulkner County. West, a jail trustee, escaped the Cleburne County Jail on April 19 after reportedly "taking trash to an outside dumpster."
West will be returned to the Cleburne County Jail, where he will face additional charges.
"We would like to say thank you to all the agencies that helped bring inmate West back into custody to answer for his crimes," Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown said.
West was being held on felony charges of first-degree battery, tampering with evidence and a misdemeanor charge of fleeing on foot. The U.S. Marshals Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force, along with multiple state and local agencies, assisted with the arrest.
"The successful capture of escapee West underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in apprehending fugitives and safeguarding our communities," said Cory Harris with the U.S. Marshals Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force. "We remain committed to partnering with our local law enforcement agencies to aid in bringing in dangerous fugitives to justice."
Additionally, police arrested 31-year-old Clarissa Stair of Heber Springs and charged her with hindering apprehension and furnishing implement for escape. Police said Stair allegedly assisted West in his escape after a failed foot chase and dog track with the inmate went from White County into Independence County.
Stair is being held at the White County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown said that "several changes have already been implemented" in the trustee program due to this incident, and the sheriff's office will continue to review the program.
