Calico Rock, Arkansas, August 11, 2025 – A weeklong manhunt in north central Arkansas concluded early Sunday, August 10, with the arrest of Stephan Richard Whaples, 36, of Calico Rock. Whaples was booked into the Stone County Jail and faces two felony charges—possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia—along with several misdemeanors, including fleeing on foot and multiple traffic violations, according to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.
The manhunt began on August 3 when Whaples reportedly fled from an Arkansas State Police trooper on Dolph Road in Izard County. A search of the area was unsuccessful. At approximately 3:15 a.m. on August 4, deputies responded to a sighting of Whaples in the 1500 block of West Crossroads, but he allegedly fled again before authorities arrived. The Arkansas Department of Corrections deployed a K-9 team to assist in the search, which spanned Izard and Stone Counties, near Batesville.
Whaples was also wanted for parole violations, adding urgency to the multi-agency effort. Local authorities, including the Izard County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police, coordinated the operation that led to his capture. “This arrest brings relief to our communities,” said an Izard County official, emphasizing public safety in the region.
Residents with additional information related to the case are encouraged to contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 368-4203 or the Stone County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 269-3825. Updates will be provided as the case progresses.
