Multi-Agency Search Ends Peacefully with Man in Custody

DIERKS LAKE – The search for a Polk County man who assaulted a Sevier County investigator, stole his gun and vehicle and then led officers on an hours-long chase has ended peacefully with the suspect in custody.

Justin Thomas Keaster, 39, was located and arrested by Sevier County deputies earlier this afternoon following a multi-agency manhunt which began Wednesday morning. The search for Keaster began after he fled in a stolen truck from an Arkansas Highway Patrol officer. Later, he ambushed Sevier County Sheriff’s Investigator Jeff Wahls, stealing his gun and patrol vehicle. The patrol vehicle was later found wrecked and abandoned in an area around Jefferson Ridge on Dierks Lake.

Wahls was injured during the altercation and transported to a nearby medical center. Authorities say he is in stable condition.

Law enforcement agents utilized tracking dogs, horses and drones to locate Keaster and bring him into custody. Fortunately, no one else was injured during the incident or subsequent arrest.

Agencies involved in the search included Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, DQPD, South Central Drug Task Force, Arkansas Highway Patrol, Nashville PD, Dierks PD, Howard Co. Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Game & Fish wildlife officers, as well as McCurtain County OEM.

This is a developing story and some information is likely to change as details emerge.

Credit: Patrick Massey | KDQN