Wednesday combined a mix of the serious and the un-serious. There was a death investigation, continuing drama from a dog bite in Buttermilk from Tuesday and a Pottsville stakeout that produced results.
Here’s a look at police, fire and EMS activity across the River Valley on Wednesday, October 28, and early Thursday morning.
2:09 a.m. — How big was that raccoon?
A North Carolina man contacted authorities after striking a raccoon on Interstate 40. The driver, who was traveling in a 2025 Chrysler, had pulled into the Pilot truck stop in Russellville but wanted to make an accident report.
Which raises the obvious question: Just how big was that raccoon?
3:21 a.m. — Early morning stakeout nets suspected metal thief
Pottsville police had an early start Wednesday, setting up surveillance at United Welding Institute, where someone had repeatedly been stealing scrap metal.
Officers watched as a vehicle pulled into the property and backed toward a dumpster. Rather than immediately approaching, they waited to see what the driver would do.
By 4:24 a.m., the man had reportedly begun loading material. Then things got interesting.
“He’s trying to get out of here,” an officer advised.
The officer managed to maneuver his truck against the suspect’s vehicle and prevent him from leaving as county deputies quickly jumped into action to provide backup if needed.
4:56 a.m. — Loose horse prompts search for owner
After several days of cow-related calls, other livestock wanted in on the fun. Authorities began looking for the owner of a horse reported loose around Southwest Third Street in Atkins.
Deputies reviewed a previous call from October 15 involving a brown horse in the roadway. During that incident, officers had moved the animal into a pasture near 2300 SW Third Street because they couldn’t determine where it belonged. They did the same thing again on Wednesday.
5:18 a.m. — Carbon monoxide alarm on Mill Creek Road
Emergency personnel responded to Mill Creek Road following a 911 text reporting an unusual odor inside a home. EMS responded and requested assistance from firefighters. The patient ultimately declined treatment or transportation.
8:45 a.m. — Follow-up on Yellow Rock Road dog bite
Deputies continued investigating Tuesday’s dog bite complaint on Yellow Rock Road in the Buttermilk area. The original incident involved a woman who reported being bitten while attempting to serve legal papers at a residence. The homeowner subsequently told authorities that “the dog did its job” and predictable verbal disturbance ensued.
Deputies followed up Wednesday morning and returned to the area again around 5:15 p.m. A deputy noted that a citation was being issued in connection with the incident.
9:25 a.m. — About 20 cows loose near Rock Hollow Road
Deputies received another livestock complaint after approximately 20 cows were spotted loose near Rock Hollow Road and Postal Road. The owner was identified and the parading bovines were re-pastured.
12:35 p.m. — Medical emergency at Tyson
EMS responded to the Tyson facility on Tyler Road for a woman experiencing a medical issue. The woman declined treatment and transportation.
2:58 p.m. — Two injured in accident on Old Highway 124
Emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle collision near 2304 Old Highway 124 in Russellville. One person was transported to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
6:37 p.m. — Woman falls at UEC movie theater
EMS responded to the UEC movie theater in Russellville after a woman fell. Emergency personnel evaluated the woman and she did not require transport.
7:44 p.m. — Death north of London prompts investigation and search warrant
What began as a report of a possible death at a residence north of London turned into an investigation that continued into early Thursday morning.
Deputies and EMS responded to Broken Bridge Lane, off Sims Hollow Road, after a man reported finding his roommate, a man in his 70’s, on the floor with blood present.
EMS confirmed the death, and detectives were brought in to investigate. A search of the property was initially concluded at approximately 12:41 a.m. Thursday.
8:31 p.m. — Sparking sign report near Waffle House
Russellville firefighters responded to the Waffle House area on North Arkansas Avenue after a caller reported that the nearby Super 8 motel sign was shooting sparks into the grass. Engine 3 responded and determined there was no fire.
3:44 a.m. — Domestic disturbance on Foothills Lane
Deputies responded to Foothills Lane, off Bakers Creek Road in the Russellville area, for a domestic disturbance. The victim declined to pursue charges and officers returned to service.
7:14 a.m. — Reported injury accident turns out to be minor
Emergency personnel responded to South Arkansas Avenue in front of Wholesale Electric after receiving a report of a single-vehicle accident. It was determined no one was injured.
This Police Beat is compiled from preliminary police, fire and EMS dispatch traffic. Information reported to dispatchers may be incomplete or unverified, and the outcome of an incident may change following further investigation.
