HEMPSTEAD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICEPRESS RELEASE – INVESTIGATION UPDATE
Lake Millwood / Beards Bluff Possible Explosive Device Investigation
November 10, 2026
The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding
the investigation into a report of a possible explosive device that was
reportedly thrown into Lake Millwood near Beards Bluff on Monday,
November 9, 2026.
On Monday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., deputies with the Hempstead
County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Beards Bluff at Lake Millwood
following a report that a possible explosive device had been thrown into
the lake.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a male subject from
Jacksonville, Arkansas, who advised officers that he believed there
might be a bomb inside a guitar case and that he had thrown the case
into Lake Millwood.
During the investigation, deputies discovered several disassembled
computer components and Wi-Fi devices inside the subject’s vehicle.
Pliers and other tools were also located in a fire ring at a nearby
campsite.
Due to the potential threat involving an explosive device and the safety
of the public and critical infrastructure, the Hempstead County
Sheriff’s Office contacted the Hempstead County Office of Emergency
Management and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Bomb
Squad.
The Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad responded and conducted an
extensive search of the shoreline and surrounding area. A boat provided
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was utilized to assist with the
search. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Enforcement Officers
also responded to provide additional assistance.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS
Following an exhaustive two-day investigation, including an extensive
search of the area and interviews with the person of interest,
investigators have found no credible evidence to indicate that an
explosive device was inside the guitar case.
However, investigators did locate a witness who confirmed seeing the
individual throw a case into Lake Millwood. Based on the witness account
and information obtained during the investigation, investigators believe
the individual did, in fact, throw the guitar case into the lake.
During interviews, the individual explained that he had been traveling
from Keller, Texas, to his home in Jacksonville, Arkansas, when he began
to believe someone may have placed a bomb inside his guitar case. He
stated that after seeing a sign directing him toward Millwood Lake and
Dam, he traveled to the area and threw the guitar case into the lake
because of his concerns.
Investigators also spoke with family members, who reported that the
individual had experienced a mental health episode approximately four
years ago while living in the Kansas City area.
According to family members, he had experienced increasing paranoia
since that time and believed people were attempting to harm him or
interfere with his personal life.
The individual also told investigators that he believed people were
hacking into his personal life and electronic devices. This information
helped explain why deputies discovered numerous computer components and
Wi-Fi devices that had been disassembled inside his vehicle.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation,
investigators believe the individual’s actions may have been influenced
by a mental health episode and his belief that he was in danger. This
assessment is based on interviews and information provided by the
individual and his family members and is not a medical diagnosis.
At this time, investigators have found no credible evidence that an
actual explosive device was involved.
CONCLUSION
The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office considers this investigation
concluded based on the evidence and information currently available.
We want to emphasize that reports involving possible explosive devices,
particularly those involving public waterways, dams, and other critical
infrastructure, cannot be taken lightly.
In today’s world, law enforcement agencies must take every precaution
when information is received concerning a potential threat to the safety
and security of our citizens and critical infrastructure. Although this
investigation did not produce evidence of an actual explosive device,
the initial report required a serious and coordinated response.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the
following agencies:
• Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad
• Hempstead County Office of Emergency Management
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Enforcement Officers
We also appreciate the cooperation of everyone who assisted
investigators during the two-day investigation.
Our responsibility is to protect the citizens of Hempstead County and
everyone who visits our area. When a potential threat is reported, we
will take every reasonable step necessary to investigate it and ensure
public safety.
Sheriff James A. Singleton
Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office
Hempstead County, Arkansas