On March 5th 2026, Stephen Bradford, age 32 of Imboden reported to his probation officer in Pocahontas and was informed he would be receiving a seven day sanction for failing a drug test. As the Probation Officer was requesting another officer, Bradford fled the office and reached his vehicle. Reports say Bradford sped towards an officer with his vehicle causing the officer to have to jump out of the way, another officer then attempted to close a gate, Bradford struck the gate nearly striking the officer.
(See Affidavit Of Probable Cause for details)
Bradford fled the area and was pursued by officers, Bradford fled Pocahontas and returned to his residence on Old Union Road just outside Imboden.
Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted Pocahontas PD in searching for the suspect. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified of the pursuit and placed units at the Lawrence County/Randolph County line on Hwy 62.
The suspect’s truck was located unoccupied behind his residence. A family member told authorities he had fled with his girlfriend, identified as 49 year old Sheri Baltz of Pocahontas.
K-9’s brought in to assist with a ground search from the Arkansas Department Of Corrections picked up a scent from the suspect’s abandoned vehicle to a wooded area nearby where family members confirmed Baltz’ vehicle was parked.
(See Affidavit For Warrant)
The vehicle was tracked with the assistance of automated license plate readers into Missouri. The two were arrested and booked into the Randolph County Sheriff’s Detention Center on Thursday March 12th 2026.
Stephen Bradford is charged with Aggravated Assault-Class D Felony and being charged as a Habitual Offender, being convicted of four felonies dating back to 2019 according to court records.
Sheri Baltz is charged with Hindering Apprehension-Class C Felony.
Both are currently incarcerated in the RCSO Detention Center.
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