Charges were filed April 18, against 48-year-old Edward Allan Eastwood the man who escaped from custody in Izard County March 16.
Eastwood faces charges of escape in the second degree, a class B felony; theft of property, a class B felony; unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime, a class B felony; possession of firearms by certain persons, a class B felony; theft of property a class D felony; criminal mischief in the first degree a class D felony and breaking or entering, a class D felony.
According to the affidavit, on March 16, just after 6 a.m., Sergeant Investigator Tyler Webb was contacted by dispatch and advised Eastwood had escaped and was last seen at 5:30 a.m.
At the time of the escape, Eastwood was assigned to a work detail assisting in the kitchen at the jail.
When Webb arrived at the jail he was briefed by Sheriff Charlie Melton and reviewed security camera footage which showed Eastwood exit the building walking toward the dumpster carrying a plastic trash bag.
The bag was filled with what was initially believed to be trash, but then Eastwood was seen walking out of frame of the camera toward Circle Drive.
Webb then began interviewing inmates who were in proximity to Eastwood at the time he walked away from the property.
While speaking with the first inmate, Shawn Branscum, Webb was told Branscum had arrived at the kitchen at 3:15 a.m. to being work and that Eastwood was already cooking.
Branscum said there wasn’t much conversation until he noticed the food Eastwood was cooking was getting low on water to the point of burning but Eastwood was no where to be found.
Branscum said he turned his attention to the food to keep it from burning and later looked for Eastwood until he realized Eastwood had escaped at which time he informed the jail staff.
Next to be interviewed was Benjamin Hinds who said between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m., he and Branscum searched for Eastwood, but when the two realized he was gone, notified staff. Hinds said Eastwood did not mention his plans to leave the facility.
The third inmate to be interviewed was John Stallings, a 309 inmate of the state who is being housed at the detention center.
Stallings said Eastwood never spoke much, but on the morning of the escape, Stallings had entered the 309 building to retrieve some items and noticed Eastwood who was not permitted to be inside, standing in the kitchen. After being seen, Eastwood exited the 309 building.
Stallings also stated Eastwood made no mention of his plans to escape.
Shortly after 10 a.m., dispatch received a call regarding a stolen vehicle in Melbourne at the Powell Feed Store. Due to circumstances, it was assumed Eastwood had taken the vehicle to aid in his escape efforts.
The victim who owned the vehicle was inside at the time of the theft and looked up to see his truck along with the firearm which was inside leaving the parking lot. Video was obtained from a nearby business confirming the account and direction of travel.
A short time later, authorities were notified the truck had been located near the Izard/Sharp County line at a cabin off Day Road.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections K9 team was on scene and soon located Eastwood and took him into custody without incident.
Prior to the arrival of Webb and the Arkansas State Police, authorities in Sharp County had removed and secured the firearm which was In the truck.
Eastwood was previously being held in the Izard County Jail after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges including aggravated assault and theft of property from October of 2023.
No bond was granted with regards to the new charges.
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