ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, Ark. — An inmate who bolted from a detention center while taking out the trash has been captured, authorities confirmed Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to a brief but frightening escape.
The escape unfolded Monday night when the prisoner, assigned a trash duty at the county detention facility, fled the grounds. Surveillance footage from the exterior of the jail captured the moment the inmate took off — prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Local and state law-enforcement agencies launched a search immediately after the escape was reported. With tips from the public and coordinated efforts across jurisdictions, officers located and apprehended the suspect within hours.
The inmate was returned to custody without further incident and remains in secure confinement while investigation continues into how he managed to escape. Jail officials have announced an internal review of facility procedures and inmate-supervision protocols in response to the incident.
Authorities have not publicly released the inmate’s identity or details of the charges he was originally facing.
The quick capture and reopening of the escape investigation have raised questions about jail safety and oversight — with community leaders calling for transparency and assurances that such an escape cannot recur.
Further updates are expected pending the outcome of the internal review and any disciplinary actions taken against facility staff.
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FORREST CITY, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police, in coordination with the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service, are actively searching for Christopher Davenport, 38, of Forrest City, who was discovered missing from the St. Francis County Detention Center on the evening of Monday, November 24, 2025. Davenport was discovered missing around 7 p.m. during a routine headcount.
At the time of his disappearance, Davenport was being held under trustee status and faced multiple felony charges, including first-degree battery, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, and weapons offenses. He was also facing additional charges following his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Davenport was apprehended on September 19, 2025, after a shooting incident at the Star One Food Mart in Forrest City. He was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center, where he was awaiting trial.
The Arkansas State Police urges anyone with information regarding Davenport’s whereabouts to contact the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 633-2611, or the Arkansas State Police Troop D at (870) 633-1454.
