Residents in St. Francis County have been urged to stay vigilant as authorities are on the hunt for an escaped inmate, with Arkansas State Police (ASP) and the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office at the forefront of the search. The escapee, identified as 38-year-old Christopher Davenport, was reported missing during a routine headcount on Monday night at approximately 7 p.m. from the St. Francis County Detention Center, Action News 5 reported.
Previously lodged in jail since September 19, Davenport's escape has led to an increased sense of concern within the community, especially in light of his charges related to a shooting at Star One Food Mart in Forrest City which include first-degree battery and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, along with weapons offenses, as told by FOX13 Memphis.
The search operation has extended beyond local enforcement, incorporating the resources of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to a WREG report; Davenport had been classified as under trustee status at the time of his disappearance, and was facing additional charges following his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service on September 1 for a prior incident where he reportedly shot Nautica Gardner in the leg and fled.
Authorities have not yet released a photograph of the fugitive but are urging anyone with information about Davenport's whereabouts to make contact with the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office at (870) 633-2611 or Arkansas State Police Troop D at (870) 633-1454 both departments emphasize the importance of the public's assistance in apprehending Davenport, who remains at large and is considered potentially dangerous due to his charges and the circumstances of his escape, as per WREG.
