Sheriff Jody Dotson along with multiple deputies from his department, Arkansas State Police, Strawberry Fire Department, AET Ambulance, Arkansas Highway Department and Office of Emergency Services worked well into the night trying to locate Daniel Walling.

Walling was the driver in a one vehicle accident just outside Jesup that has now claimed the life of a female passenger in the vehicle. According to witnesses, the vehicle Walling was driving struck the Big Creek Bridge at Jesup nearly head-on causing severe injuries to a female passenger, that female later died from her injuries. The victims name has been withheld pending notification of family.

Walling was last seen fleeing from the scene, he was reported to have gone under the bridge towards Big Creek. K-9 search dogs were called in to attempt to track the suspect who is believed to be injured. Deputies waded a good portion of the creek in the surrounding area while search dogs were used in the woods and fields around the area where the crash occurred. Several barns and out buildings were search in the area by law enforcement in an effort to find Daniel Walling. Cell phones belonging to Walling and the victim were both “pinged” in an attempt to locate the suspect, Lawrence County Dispatch worked with cell phone providers throughout the evening, Mr. Walling’s phone was tracked and recovered by Lawrence County Deputies still in the wreckage of the vehicle. The second cell phone in question belonged to the accident victim and has not yet been located. According to Sheriff Dotson, the phone could be powered off, damaged or possibly was scattered in the debris around the wreck. Efforts to locate the phone were continued throughout the night by the Lawrence County Dispatch Center.

Also Sheriff Dotson stated that family members of Mr. Walling arrived on scene, concerned and attempting to help locate the suspect, several associates, friends and family members were contacted in an effort to find any information that may lead to Walling’s whereabouts.

The search was suspended due to darkness, Sheriff Dotson stated that if Walling is not located overnight or makes contact with family/friends, the Sheriff’s Office will resume the search on Wednesday.

For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .

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